US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the death of Sarah Beckstrom, one of two National Guard troops who were shot near the White House on Wednesday. 

Speaking during a video call with US troops to mark Thanksgiving, Trump described Beckstrom as a "highly respected, young, magnificent person." He said he had received the news of her passing shortly before joining the call.

Second National Guard soldier in critical condition

The second soldier wounded in the incident remains in critical condition. "The other young man is fighting for his life. He's in very bad shape," Trump said, addressing the troops during the Thanksgiving call.

While he did not provide further details about the shooting or its circumstances, the President’s comments reflected a somber tone during what is typically a celebratory moment with the military on Thanksgiving.

National Guard shooter identified, troops shot in critical condition

After being reported dead, new reports confirmed that the two National Guard troops shot near the White House on Wednesday are in critical condition. The suspect, who sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange, is in custody.

Series of events

The attack occurred around 2:15 pm local time near the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, just a few blocks from the White House. President Donald Trump was in Florida at the time of the incident, which prompted a temporary White House lockdown and a large-scale response from federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The soldiers were participating in a high-visibility patrol when the suspect approached and opened fire, according to Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll. Following an exchange of gunfire, other Guard members subdued the attacker.

Both injured soldiers were taken to nearby hospitals and are in critical condition, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed.

“This is a targeted attack,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said during a press briefing.