Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are in critical condition after a gunman unleashed a barrage of bullets just a short distance from the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

The attacker, who has been apprehended, initiated the violent incident at the Farragut West metro station in Washington, DC’s bustling center.

Authorities suggest the shooting was deliberate, escalating into a gunfight as the suspect reportedly fired three shots before law enforcement officers retaliated.

Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling moment to CNN, describing how an individual emerged from around a corner, raised a weapon, and began firing.

According to a source familiar with the situation, one of the National Guardsmen sustained a head wound, the Associated Press reported.

The two injured Guardsmen, whose identities have not been disclosed, are currently in serious condition. Meanwhile, the suspect, who also sustained injuries during the exchange, is expected to recover, as reported by federal law enforcement officials.

The suspected assailant is not cooperating with authorities and his motive remains unclear, law enforcement sources told the outlet. 

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that two victims were being treated at a local hospital after West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey earlier sparked confusion by announcing the soldiers were dead before walking back his statement.

An unnamed shooter opened fire on Wednesday afternoon in Washington, DC, leaving two National Guardsmen in a critical condition 

The attack quickly turned into a shoot-out after the suspect reportedly shot three times before officials returned fire

Patel added that the suspect would be charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. The maximum penalty for this offense is 20 years in prison.

West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey said the two wounded officials ‘volunteered their time,’ along with others, to serve during the Thanksgiving holiday.

‘He has attacked two of the bravest people,’ McCuskey said of the shooter.  

President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time of the shooting for the Thanksgiving holiday, vowed that the assailant will pay a ‘very steep price.’ 

He wrote on Truth Social: ‘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. 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 president ordered an additional 500 troops to deploy following the shooting on Wednesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said.

Hegseth called the attack a ‘cowardly, dastardly act, targeting the best of America.’ 

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her department was working with local law enforcement. 

Graphic images from the scene showed a soldier lying injured on the pavement with blood pouring from his head as a Secret Service agent gave him medical attention.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that two soldiers were being treated at a local hospital

Department of Corrections employees are seen entering the George Washington University Hospital after the shooting

Stacy Walters told the Associated Press she was near 17th Street in a car when she heard two gunshots.

She described hearing ‘boom boom’ and then noticed small children and others running while law enforcement swarmed the area.

‘It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this [while] we’re getting ready for the holidays?’ Walters said.

Trump deployed the National Guard to the nation’s capital in August, as he sought to crack down on rising violent crime.

More than three months later, the issue is still being fought in the courts.

Last week, Judge Jia Michelle Cobb of the District Court for DC ruled that the Trump administration violated the city’s Home Rule Act by deploying units for non-military crime-deterrence operations.

Her ruling, handed down on Thursday, placed a 21-day stay on the order, allowing for continued troop presence until December 11. This means that if it is enforced, servicemen could be home with 14 days left until Christmas.

This period also allows the Trump administration to appeal the decision.