Two US National Guard soldiers were killed in a shooting two blocks from the White House on Wednesday. Police said a suspect had been taken into custody.

A reporter near the scene said she heard several loud pops that sounded like gunshots, and then saw people running away from Farragut Square, a popular and busy outdoor area near the White House and a subway station.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey later said two National Guard members from his state had died.

Trump, who is in Florida, was quickly briefed on the “tragic” situation, a spokeswoman said.

“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” Trump posted on social media before the news that two victims had died.

Local authorities confirmed that emergency services responded to and transported three gunshot victims from the area.