President Trump lashed out Wednesday at the suspect who shot two members of the National Guard just blocks from the White House.
“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 posted on Truth Social.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” he added. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Trump is in Florida, spending the Thanksgiving holiday at his Mar-a-Lago property. He was at his nearby golf club in West Palm Beach, Fla., when the shooting happened.
Police responded to a shooting at 17 Street NW and I Street NW in Washington, D.C., just after 2:30 p.m. EST Wednesday.
Officials later said one suspect was in custody and confirmed two National Guard members had been shot.
Members of the National Guard have been deployed around the nation’s capital since August, when Trump activated troops as part of a federal effort to crack down on crime in the District. He has since touted that crime has virtually disappeared in the city thanks to his efforts.
“Literally it’s as safe as there is anywhere in the country now,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday. “And if you go back a year, it was a very unsafe place.”