President Donald Trump was in Florida at the time.
The soldiers were part of a "high-visibility patrol" a few blocks from the White House when a suspect came around a corner and "ambushed" them, Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said at a news briefing, as cited by Reuters.
After an exchange of gunfire, other Guard members subdued the suspect, Carroll said.
The two wounded soldiers were in critical condition at local hospitals, FBI Director Kash Patel said, according to Reuters.
The motive for the shooting was not immediately known, and officials said they believe the suspect acted alone.
Authorities have not released the identities of the suspect or the victims.
In a social media post, Trump called the suspected shooter an "animal" who would “pay a very steep price” and praised the National Guard, Reuters reported.
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Source: Reuters, PAP, TVP Info