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Gunfire erupted in the heart of Washington, DC, killing two military service members just moments from the executive mansion. Authorities have since secured the downtown sector and taken a suspect into custody following a massive law enforcement response that brought the capital to a standstill.

Panic Near the White House as National Guardsmen Targeted

The violence unfolded at the busy intersection of 17th and I Streets, sending pedestrians fleeing for cover. Two uniformed personnel, initially identified only as National Guardsmen, were struck by gunfire just blocks from the White House.

Two sources familiar with the ongoing situation confirmed the location and the immediate, chaotic aftermath as emergency services descended on the scene.

Secret Service and Police Scramble to Secure the Scene

Images shared by Newsmax reporter Mike Carter displayed US Secret Service agents heavily armed and responding to the incident.

Metropolitan Police Department issued an urgent statement on X, confirming a significant breakthrough in the manhunt: 'The scene is secured. One suspect is in custody.'

Governor Confirms Deaths as Trump Vows 'Steep Price'

In a tragic development, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed that the victims were members of the West Virginia National Guard and had died from their injuries.

'It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members... have passed away,' Morrisey stated, emphasising that the soldiers 'lost their lives in the service of their country'. He added that the state would 'demand full accountability for this horrific act' as they grieve with the families.

President Trump had earlier addressed the nation on Truth Social, vowing the gunman would 'pay a very steep price'. Describing the attacker as an 'animal', he confirmed the suspect is also 'severely wounded'.

He offered his administration's full support to the military, writing, 'God bless our Great National Guard... I, as President of the United States... am with you!'

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