FBI Director Kash Patel repeatedly said during a Wednesday afternoon press conference that both of the National Guardsmen shot near the White House hours earlier are still alive and in critical condition.
Patel in his remarks delivered at 4:46 p.m. EST stated on multiple occasions that the two shot West Virginia guardsmen were in critical condition, despite Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey saying in an X post sent at 3:42 p.m. EST that both men have “have passed away from their injuries.” Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll corroborated Patel’s assertion that the guardsmen were alive during the press conference.
“At approximately 2:15 local time in Washington, D.C., where two of our brave members of National Guard and the Department of War were brazenly attacked in a horrendous act of violence,” Patel said. “They were shot. They’re in critical condition.” (RELATED: Kash Patel Talks In Depth About Attempted Trump Assassin And His Motives)
WATCH:
“We have assembled the full force of both the federal and state and local law enforcement agencies to … make sure we find the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act, and make no mistake, they will be brought to justice,” the FBI director continued. “Since this is an assault on a federal law enforcement officer, this will be treated at the federal level as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer. The FBI will lead out on that mission with our interagency partners to include the Department of Homeland Security, ATF [Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives], DEA.”
Patel expressed gratitude for Democratic Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s assistance and took time to praise the MPD adding “their skills in investigating homicides and gun shootings in this city is exceptional.”
“Both of the individuals, the guard members, they are in critical condition at local hospital this time being treated,” Carroll said during the press conference.
The chief added at the time there are no other suspects than the one taken into custody.
“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, and he was quickly taken into custody by other National Guard members and law enforcement members,” Carroll said, citing video footage.
Carroll told reporters that authorities “don’t have any motive” for the suspect at the time. He also said he was told that both of the Guardsmen were armed when they were attacked.
Patel emphasized that the FBI will work with multiple officials and agencies to “bring anyone responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice” stressing that “this is a matter of national security” and “pride.”
“I would lastly like to add to the American public in the world, please send your prayers to those brave warriors who are in critical condition and their families,” Patel said again, repeating that the guardsmen were in critical condition. “They are here serving our country. They are here protecting everyday Americans and citizens around the world in our nation’s capital. They are the heroes of this day, and we must remember them on this day and every day, and their families and the sacrifice they have made.”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
