The White House was temporarily placed on lockdown on Wednesday after two members of the National Guard were shot near the executive mansion, U.S. authorities confirmed.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the incident involved two National Guard personnel, though further details were not immediately provided.
Police confirmed that the shooting took place just one block from the White House, near the Farragut Metro station, heightening security concerns in the nation’s capital.
“The White House was briefly secured following reports of gunfire near the premises,” Secretary Noem said, adding that investigations were underway.
President Donald Trump was in Florida ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday at the time of the shooting. The U.S. Secret Service has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Authorities said the lockdown was precautionary, and security personnel are working to ensure the safety of the White House, surrounding areas, and staff.
The shooting coincided with President Trump’s controversial troop deployment order in Washington, though officials have not linked the two events.
