West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) said that he’s receiving “conflicting” information about whether or not the two National Guard members shot in D.C. are dead.
“Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community,” Morrisey said in a social media post. The governor said the two guardsmen were from the West Virginia National Guard.
His remarks come almost immediately after he claimed that the two National Guard members had died after succumbing to their wounds: “It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries,” Morrisey wrote. “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with our Guard and other officials, and are working to obtain the most accurate information as quickly as possible.”
Shortly before that, Morrisey claimed one of the two had died.
In a press conference after the mix-up, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that both National Guard members are alive, but in critical condition.
The shooting occurred near the Farragut Metro station, according to reports. Federal law enforcement told CBS News that the guardsmen were caught in an “ambush attack” with roughly 10 to 15 shots fired.
While a motive for the shooting is not yet clear, the Metropolitan Police said in a social media post that a suspect in the shooting is in custody.
President Donald Trump, who was at Mar-a-Lago during the shooting, has been briefed, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The suspect has been “severely wounded but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump said in a Truth Social post. In that same post, Trump said both guardsmen were dealing with critical injuries.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement,” Trump wrote. “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 shooting comes as Trump has deployed the National Guard to multiple cities across the country after signing an August emergency order in a controversial effort to reduce crime. As a response to the shooting, Trump has now ordered that 500 additional troops be sent to D.C.