This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

Calling the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., Wednesday a "cowardly, dastardly act," U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that President Trump requested 500 more Guard troops be called up to serve in the nation's capital.

"This will only stiffen our resolve" to continue to secure Washington, D.C., Hegseth said. "President Trump will never back down."

Several Cabinet members have released statements decrying the shooting and asking for the nation's prayers.