2 National Guard troops shot and killed near White House; suspect is in custody (UPDATED)

A shooting near the White House led to two National Guard troops from West Virginia being shot and killed, according to the governor of the state.

The Metropolitan Police Department said the scene was secured and a suspect was in custody.

'[We] heard multiple shots fired as we passed Farragut West. A member of the National Guard fell while others rushed onto the scene.'

A White House correspondent for NTD News said she witnessed the shooting.

"National Guard shot near the White House at a little before 2:15," Mari Otsu said on a social media post.

"I was in an Uber to work, with my cameraman, and heard multiple shots fired as we passed Farragut West. A member of the National Guard fell while others rushed onto the scene," she added.

"Area still on lockdown and Secret Service being deployed," Otsu wrote.

She added a video of the law enforcement response to the area.

President Donald Trump had ordered a surge of troops into D.C. in order to combat the violent crime rampant in the area. The order was met with legal challenges from critics who accused him of acting unlawfully.

Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting on social media.

"Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C.," she wrote on social media. "@DHSgov is working with local law enforcement to gather more information."

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morris later confirmed that the two guardsmen had died.

"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," he posted on social media.

"These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," he added. "Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act."

RELATED: 'Knock the hell out of them': Trump federalizes DC police, readies National Guard to crack down on crime

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, admitted that the troop surge lessened crime in the district, but she was immediately assailed by other Democrats who were angry that she credited the president. She has since announced she is not seeking re-election.

Editor's note: This article has been edited after publication to add a statement from the West Virginia governor and update the headline.

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