Two US National Guard members killed near White House
Emergency vehicles gather at a cordoned off area (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)
Two National Guard members who were shot near the White House have died from their injuries, according to DC's state governor, Patrick Morrisey.
A suspect who was in custody was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.
Police tape cordoned off the scene where emergency fire and police vehicles’ lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead.
Agents from the US Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby.
At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.
The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they responded to the incident after reports of the shooting on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Police Department said it was responding to a shooting, but did not immediately provide more information.
“These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues,” Patrick Morrisey wrote in a statement on social media.
Morrisey added that “West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act”.
US President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.
“The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The president has been briefed,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Hundreds of National Guard members from the district and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after Mr Trump in August issued an emergency order, federalising the local police force and sending in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.
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