The shooting occurred at Farragut West subway station, two blocks from the White House, in the mid-afternoon on 26/11. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described it as "a targeted attack" carried out by a gunman. The suspect was arrested, and the motive is currently unknown.

Jeffery Carroll, assistant police chief of Washington, stated that the gunman "ambushed" the victims. He "walked around the corner, raised his gun, and aimed directly at the National Guard members."

AFP reporters near the scene described hearing multiple loud explosions and people fleeing, creating a chaotic scene.

A person in military uniform receives medical care in an ambulance after the shooting in Washington D.C., US on 26/11. Photo: AFP

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed both soldiers are in critical condition. This is considered the most serious incident involving the National Guard since the force was deployed in President Donald Trump's anti-crime campaign across the US.

President Trump described the shooter as "an animal", adding that the suspect was also seriously injured but "would still pay a heavy price" for his actions.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced an additional deployment of 500 soldiers to Washington D.C., bringing the total to 2,500 troops. "This will only strengthen our resolve to keep Washington safe and beautiful", he said regarding the shooting.

The federal government's deployment of the National Guard to combat crime in several US cities has drawn criticism from local officials, who accuse President Trump of escalating tensions. This move also faces multiple lawsuits. Last week, a federal judge ruled that President Trump's deployment of thousands of National Guard troops in the US capital was illegal.

By Thanh Tam (According to AFP)