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Lawmakers from across the political spectrum began expressing support amid news that two West Virginia National Guard members were shot blocks away from the White House Wednesday afternoon.
After news of the shooting, members of the West Virginia delegation were quick to respond, as was President Donald Trump, who referred to the suspected shooter as an “animal.”
“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 wrote on his Truth Social platform as details of the shooting emerged. “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!”
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West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, said he and his wife were “devastated” to hear the news.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the two West Virginia National Guardsmen remain in critical condition, correcting an earlier report from Morrisey that the pair had died.
Both of West Virginia’s two Republican Senators also chimed in, offering thoughts and prayers but did not shed any additional details. Additionally, Democrats from the state expressed messages of support as well.
“Tonight, our hearts are heavy for the two members of the West Virginia National Guard shot in Washington, D.C.,” West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman, Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, told Fox News. “This cowardly and tragic act of violence should never happen in this country and our hearts grieve for the families who are dealing with this senseless tragedy. This tragedy transcends party lines. Two families will now have to spend Thanksgiving in agony for their loved ones, who did nothing wrong and answered their call of duty. We honor these soldiers’ service, sacrifice, and courage. We hope and pray for the best. These young men, and their brothers and sisters in uniform represent the very best of us and the very best of West Virginia.”
Democrats outside West Virginia spoke up as well, including some of the party’s top national leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who slammed “political violence” in his response, despite no confirmed reports about a motive.
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“There must be zero tolerance for violence — of any kind — against the brave men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities and our country,” Newsom said amid news of the shooting. “The shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is horrific and unacceptable. Jen and I are praying for the service members, their families, and the entire National Guard community.”
Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said Wednesday that the lone gunman allegedly “came around the corner” in an “ambush” style attack and opened fire on the two National Guardsmen. Other members of the National Guard nearby reportedly heard the gunfire and intervened, ultimately restraining the suspect after he had been shot, Carroll said.
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It remains unclear who fired the shot that wounded the suspect, and the individual has not yet been identified.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
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