Trump warns 'animal' behind National Guard shooting will pay 'a very steep price'

WASHINGTON, DC: Two National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday, November 26, in what officials believe was a "targeted attack." Both soldiers remain in critical condition. The suspect in the incident is now in custody.

President Donald Trump condemned the attack and posted about it on Truth Social. He stated, "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen" would pay "a very steep price."

Trump also offered support to the National Guard after two members were shot in Washington. He ordered 500 additional National Guard personnel to the city following the incident.

Trump administration condemns targeted attack on guardsmen

The president shared an update on the two wounded guardsmen. He wrote, "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."

Trump added a message of support for law enforcement: "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!"

Vice President JD Vance also expressed sadness over the attack. "We're all heartbroken over our brave guardsmen. They're the best in the world, we're lucky to have them, and today is a brutal reminder of what we ask them to do every day," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The two guardsmen were part of the more than 2,000 troops sent by Trump for a crime-fighting mission that placed the National Guard in charge of local policing.

Targeted DC attack leaves National Guard troops fighting for life

A targeted shooting near the White House left two National Guard members critically wounded after a gunman opened fire around 2:15 pm. According to the New York Post, the attacker shot one guard in the chest and head before firing at a second guard.

A third guard responded and stopped the shooter, who was also wounded but is not believed to have life-threatening injuries. The suspect was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who entered the country during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.

West Virginia Gov Patrick Morrisey initially reported that both soldiers had died, then reversed the statement, saying there were “conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members,” adding, “Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”