West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said Tuesday afternoon he was receiving “conflicting reports” about the condition of two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot Wednesday near the White House.
Morrisey initially said both guardsmen were killed.
“Denise and I are devastated by the news that two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot earlier today in Washington, DC,” Morrisey said in his first statement. “According to reports, both members did not survive.”
About 30 minutes later, he issued a second statement.
“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,” Morrisey said.
A suspect is in custody and was also shot, with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement source who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. One of the guardsmen was shot in the head, the source said.
Additional details about what prompted the shooting were not immediately available.
“Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the extraordinary men and women of our Guard who put themselves on the line every day,” Morrisey said. “West Virginia stands united behind them.”
President Donald Trump, who was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting occurred, warned in a statement on Truth Social that the shooter “will pay a very steep price.”
The West Virginia guardsmen were among hundreds of National Guard members from the District of Columbia and several states who have been patrolling the nation’s capital since Trump issued an emergency order in August.
