Two National Guardsmen were shot in Washington DC just a few blocks from the White House officials have confirmed, as the heart of the US government is on lockdown.
A suspect has been taken into custody and was also shot in the incident, which occurred near the White House, though their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Police had initially confirmed that multiple people had been injured and three people had been taken to hospital.
The shooting took place on the corner of 17th and H Streets in the north-west quadrant of the city, just a few blocks from the White House itself, it was soon afterwards confirmed that two National Guardsmen had been shot and a suspect had been apprehended.
Writing on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said: "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.
"God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement."
The US president is not currently at the White House as he is in Florida for Thanksgiving.
In a later update, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that the two National Guardsmen had died of their injuries, before later providing an update which threw some doubt on the matter.
He initially said: "These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country.
"West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act."
However, he later provided a further update in which he said that the condition of the two men had not been confirmed.
He 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.
"Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community."
The area has been cordoned off to the public and more National Guards have been deployed to secure the area.
Eyewitnesses told the BBC they heard two gunshots, followed by three more as bystanders ran for cover and some of them took shelter in nearby liquor stores.
Others saw two National Guards lying on the ground in the aftermath of the shooting being treated by medics along with a third person, though the witnesses were unclear whether this third individual was the shooter or a bystander.
FBI director Kash Patel said they would be 'engaged and assisting' with the investigation into the shooting.
Featured Image Credit: Getty/Anna MoneyMakerTopics: US News, Donald Trump
Joe Harker