This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Two National Guard troops have been shot near the White House in what's being called a "targeted shooting" and ambush.
"This is a targeted shooting," Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters Wednesday afternoon.
Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, said: "It appears to be a lone gunman who ambushed these members of the National Guard."
NBC News reported: "Two senior U.S. law enforcement officials say that the man they believe is the suspect in today's National Guard shooting, used a handgun in the attack and has been initially identified as an Afghan national."
Bill Melugin of Fox News indicates: "Per multiple federal law enforcement sources, the suspect in custody for the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in DC is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. on 9/8/2021 as part of the Biden admin's Operation Allies Welcome in the aftermath of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
"I'm told his permission to be in the U.S. expired in September of this year, and he is now in the country illegally."
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially announced both members of the Guard have died from their gunshot wounds, but later retracted his statement.
"It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries," he originally said.
Morrisey then walked back his statement, offering a glimmer of hope: "We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community."
The attack occurred about 2:15 p.m. outside the Farragut West metro station in Washington, just two blocks away from the White House.
The Associated Press reported: "A suspect, now in custody, was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. One National Guard member was shot in the head, according to a person familiar with the details of the incident who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity."
For months now, National Guard troops have been helping patrol the city of Washington, D.C., at the behest of President Trump, and the crime rate in the nation's capital has decreased precipitously.
Trump posted his initial reaction on Truth Social, saying: "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price.
"God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!"
FBI Director Kash Patel indicated: "FBI is engaged and assisting with the investigation in Washington, D.C. after National Guard members were shot this afternoon. Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able."
Vice President JD Vance, addressing soldiers at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, said of the shooting: "It's a somber reminder that soldiers … are the sword and the shield of the United States of America."
"Thank them for what they're doing."
Journalist Benny Johnson noted: "Just a few days ago, six Democrats claimed President Trump was issuing 'unlawful' orders to the military and that troops must resist."
Members of the U.S. Secret Service were photographed Wednesday responding to the incident, Newsmax's Mike Carter posted on X. Fox News reported that one suspect is in custody.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X to request prayer:
