2 West Virginia National Guard members shot in DC, single suspect apprehended

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot about a block away from the White House in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed Wednesday.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said Wednesday afternoon both victims had died from their injuries following the shooting.

But in a follow-up message, he then said "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."

Both Guardmembers were critically injured in the shooting, according to the Associated Press.

The scene was secured and a single suspect was in custody, police said.

The Guardmembers were deployed to Washington D.C. as part of President Donald Trump's emergency order to address allegations of crime in the U.S. capitol. Hundreds of National Guard members from D.C. and from several other states, including West Virginia, mobilized to D.C. in August.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump planned to send additional National Guard troops to the capital in response to the shooting.

"President Trump has asked me and I will ask the Secretary of the Army to the National Guard to add 500 additional troops — National Guardsmen —to Washington, D.C. This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C. safe and beautiful."

Police said the shooting occurred in the area of 17th and I Street in Washington, D.C. They asked those nearby to avoid the area.

According to the Associated Press, the suspect had sustained gunshot injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

The suspect and both victims were transported to the hospital for treatment.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump had been briefed about the incident.

President Trump was at his golf course in Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday at the time of the shooting.

In a message on social media, the president said the "animal" who carried out the shooting would "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!" the president wrote.

"My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House," Sen. Chuck Schumer wrote on social media. "I am closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families."

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.