WASHINGTON: Two US National Guard soldiers were shot and critically wounded Wednesday two blocks from the White House and police said a suspect had been taken into custody. “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X. An AFP reporter near the scene said she heard several loud pops that sounded like gunshots, and then saw people running away from Farragut Square, a popular and busy outdoor area near the White House and a subway station.

Two National Guard members have been shot near the White House in Washington, DC. Police said a suspect is in custody.

Conditions of two soldiers isn’t immediately known after incident, and emergency vehicles were seen responding in the area