Shooting Near White House: Gunman Tackled, National Guard Troops Injured, Security Lockdown Imposed

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A shocking incident unfolded near the White House on Wednesday afternoon when a gunman opened fire on two members of the West Virginia National Guard. The shooting occurred at the corner of 17th and H Streets Northwest, just two blocks away from the presidential residence. Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported the injured guardsmen and the wounded suspect to the hospital. Authorities from the Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives quickly responded to the situation. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting, which was reported around 2:20 p.m. ET near the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station. The Washington Post reported that the shooter was also wounded during the confrontation. The incident has sparked a broad security lockdown of the area, including temporary flight disruptions at nearby airports. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the lockdown. President Donald Trump responded to the shooting on social media, promising that the gunman would 'pay a very steep price.' He also expressed solidarity with the National Guard, law enforcement, and military personnel. The condition of the injured guardsmen is currently critical, with conflicting reports emerging about their condition. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has expressed his support for the troops and their families. The shooting has raised concerns about security protocols around sensitive federal infrastructure. Law-enforcement agencies are investigating how the shooter managed to carry out the attack so close to the White House. The deployment of National Guard troops in civilian-heavy zones has also been debated, with critics arguing that it poses a risk to public safety. A lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration, claiming that the deployment of out-of-state Guard troops for policing duties violates legal limits on domestic military involvement. The incident has sparked a renewed debate about the role of the National Guard in policing duties and the need for enhanced security protocols around sensitive federal infrastructure.