President Donald Trump issued his first public reaction to the shooting of two National Guard troops near the White House, vowing that the gunman would “pay a very steep price” and confirming that both service members were critically wounded.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the suspect as “the animal that shot the two National Guardsmen,” adding that the gunman, who was also severely injured, would face justice. “Both [troops] are critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals,” he wrote.

“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!” Trump added.




The shooting occurred in downtown Washington, DC, on Wednesday, with a suspect taken into custody by DC Metropolitan Police. The incident unfolded amid a heavy National Guard and law enforcement presence in the city, part of Trump’s ongoing anti-crime initiatives.

Security officials, including the US Secret Service and ATF, responded immediately to the scene. Helicopters hovered above the National Mall, and National Guard troops maintained a perimeter while emergency personnel transported the injured.

This marks the first official response from the president following the incident, underscoring his focus on the safety of military and law enforcement personnel stationed in the nation’s capital.