Washington shooting: Two US National Guard officers shot near White House | World | News

Two US National Guard soldiers have been shot near the White House, according to officials, with police swarming the area. Two anonymous law enforcement officials said the soldiers’ conditions are not known, but emergency responders and a helicopter were seen in the area.

The Joint DC Task Force confirmed an incident in the vicinity of the White House, but did not say if any National Guard members had been shot. The DC Police Department said they had secured the scene and placed one suspect in custody.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump, who was at his golf course in Florida at the time of the incident, has been briefed.

She said: “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed.”

The White House was subsequently placed into lockdown upon hearing of the shooting.

Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem added: “Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington DC.”

This comes as hundreds of National Guard members have been patrolling the US capital after Mr Trump issued an emergency order in August.

The order placed the local police force under the control of the government, and sent in the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.