By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Cathleen Kroeger of Ellis is looking for children to enroll in her Cat's Child Care in Ellis.

Kroeger, 38, became a child care provider in 2020. She was working as a children's librarian at the Hays Public Library, but was facing the challenge of enrolling three of her children in child care. She said that it did not seem practical at the time.

"It was pretty boring only having three kids to take care of," she said.

"Child care seemed like the perfect fit," she said. "I was able to work with kids again, having more kids to take care of and do some of the things I think are fun along with my kids."

Kroeger has six children. Her step-daughter is 12, and she also has children aged 11, 9, 7, 1, and 2 months.

Kroeger said she has always loved working with children.

She has a degree in psychology from Kansas State University and took many courses in early childhood development while working on her degree.

Although Kroerger does not have a formalized preschool curriculum, she said she focuses on developing creativity and problem-solving skills through play.

"My favorite part is when you are working with a kid, and they get it," she said. "You worked on it, worked on it, worked on it, and you've seen the kid go through all of the frustration and then getting some proficiency and then all of a sudden they get that proficiency, and they get that mastery level, and they are just so proud of themselves."

She said she tries to help the children build life skills, such as putting on their shoes or zipping their jackets.&nbsp;

Even very young children can help pick up a toy. She thanks the child and praises them for being helpful.

"I try to pick moments to tell them about things," she said. "When we are out on a walk, I'll hand them some leaves and talk about how this feels cruncky and 'Look at the color. That's brown.' They're learning things naturally.

"They're little sponges. If you engage them in conversation about things over and over throughout the whole day, they pick up a lot."

She said these daily life lessons help build kindergarten readiness. The students who leave her child care to go to kindergarten generally know their colors and have started to learn numbers and some letters.

"I don't have them sitting down doing worksheets. It's not like a curriculum or institution-type setting. It's learning through play and their own curiosity."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Being in a child care home rather than a center, Kroeger said, allows her to focus more on the individual needs and development of children.

She said she loves to take the children on field trips. They go to parks in Ellis and Hays, the swimming pool, the Sternberg Museum, the Hays and Ellis libraries, and even out of town to the zoo.

Kroeger tends to have school-age children during the summer. She asks on the parent form what types of activities the children would like to do and what their interests are.

One child was interested in the solar system. Kroeger obtained appliance boxes from the hardware store, and the children created a spaceship.

They used sidewalk chalk to draw the layers of the atmosphere, then "flew" their spaceship through the atmosphere into space.

Kroeger, who rides a motorcycle, likes to take the children on bicycle rides. She has several toddler balance bikes for the younger children.

"I have a really cute picture from one summer. I was full. I had 10 kids. There was a line of all 10 of them on the little bikes. We stopped, and they looked back at me, and I snapped the photo. I always said that was my little biker gang," she said.

On another occasion, she took a group of seven boys outside to play after the rain. They all jumped into a giant mud puddle.

"Those boys had a blast," she said. "They were covered in mud. ... I try to keep those things alive—the everyday things that you would get to do as a kid, especially some of those things as parents we don't enjoy because it makes a big mess.

"I had several parents comment at pick up, 'I'm glad they got to do that with you and not at my house,'" she said.

Kroeger also brings some of her experience from working as a librarian into her child care home, including reading books and singing songs.

Her favorite book is "Nuts: Sing and Dance in Your Polka Dot Pants" by Eric Litwin. He performed at the Hays Public Library during her tenure there, and she was able to visit with him about his books.

She attended a special training session for librarians on physical exercise, along with learning math and literacy skills, which can help children build connections between the two hemispheres of their brains and better retain these skills.

She is also certified as an instructor in noncorrosive potty training and elimination communication. She starts potty training at 18 months old in the child care. The children in her care are usually reliably potty-trained and wearing underwear by age 2.

Kroeger said her most significant challenge, at the moment, is finding children to fill her child care slots. She currently has no children enrolled. She said she has an opening for one infant in addition to older children.

You can contact Kroeger at 785-477-1277 or&nbsp;catsdaycarehome@gmail.com or follow Cat's Day Care on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575732934259">Facebook</a>.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0f64ddb1-ba92-40fa-a22f-94a557aaf629">Nominate a Child Care Champion here.</a>

Child Care Champion: Provider seeks to foster creativity through play

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Texas woman was arrested on Nov. 17 in Hays after she allegedly cut off a 26-year-old driver from Quinter in traffic and later allegedly pulled out a handgun when confronted.

Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said officers arrested 31-year-old Racheal Shyann West of Wichita Falls, Texas, after she allegedly cut the man off in a roundabout.

Greenwood said the incident occurred at 8:40 a.m. at 41st and Vine Street. The Quinter driver followed West to the Comfort Inn &amp; Suites, 1001 E. 41st St., where he attempted to speak with her about her driving.

Greenwood said the driver had already called police to report being cut off before approaching West.

Greenwood said an argument then allegedly broke out between the reporting driver, West and the people she was there to pick up at the hotel. West and her friends alleged that the man was blocking her vehicle with his own, Greenwood said.

Greenwood said that as the man began to move his vehicle out of the way, West allegedly exited her car with a handgun and “cycled the action” to intimidate him. Greenwood said West had a child in her car at the time.

Officers arrived and interviewed all parties before West was arrested for alleged aggravated assault with the use of a deadly weapon.

Greenwood said interviews indicated the Quinter man was not verbally confrontational, but he was advised that following someone to their destination could be perceived as confrontational.

Texas woman arrested after alleged gun threat in Hays traffic dispute

94.3 FM / 1400 AM KAYS invites you to listen to Reindeer Radio and win! Each day Monday through Thursday we will give out a code word. Enter that word right here for your chance to win. The code word changes daily.

This week's feature sponsor is Bigg E Meats and the prize is $250 certificate to use in their store in Hays!&nbsp;&nbsp;If you didn’t get on their list for Thanksgiving plan ahead NOW for Christmas. Smoked turkeys, prime ribs, brats of so many different flavors, assortment of Kansas-made cheeses. It’s not the holidays without authentic ham salad or raw burger!

🦌 WIN WITH REINDEER RADIO!

Today and Thanksgiving Day, the forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the 40s.

However, after a high of 50 on Friday, a cold front is forecast to move in with a 20 percent chance of showers after midnight in Hays.

The National Weather Service calls for a chance of rain and snow showers before noon Saturday, and then a slight chance of snow showers. The high is forecast to be near 43, with wind. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

The forecast calls for a 20% chance of snow showers on Sunday, a 30% chance of snow showers on Sunday night, and a 20% chance of snow showers on Monday, with a high of 33.

The Kansas Department of Transportation issued the following press release today about the upcoming weather and travel precautions.

Kansas Department of Transportation

Early weather forecasts from different weather services are showing the possibility of inclement weather affecting parts of Kansas as well as several northern and western states this holiday weekend.

If inclement weather does impact the highways, the Kansas Department of Transportation is ready to treat roadways as needed. KDOT employees have been preparing since September: Salt, sand and brine materials have been ordered, trucks and other equipment have undergone preventive maintenance and crews have completed training courses.

“Whatever the obstacle, KDOT crew members work together and find a way to get the job done,” said Director of Field Operations Ron Hall. “Our crews always do their best to serve the public in their efforts to clear the highways.”

Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed&nbsp;shared a reminder for all travelers: “Check on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delay travel plans. It’s important to stay informed, plan ahead and travel safe.”

Resources and safety reminders for motorists:

Kansas maintains about 9,500 miles of highways, including more than 25,000 total lane and ramp miles. Clearing snow from these highways takes time, especially while the snow is still falling.

Secretary Reed emphasized the importance of safety for the crews working to keep roads open.

“KDOT employees work challenging 12-hour shifts to remove snow and ice from the highways,” said Secretary Reed. “Don’t drive in their blind spots and give them space to work so they can focus on the job.”

Northwest Kansas to see chance of snow during busy travel weekend

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

The free Community Thanksgiving Feast, sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance (ECMA), will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 Main St., Hays.

No reservations are required; the meal is first-come, first-served. There will be no individual carry-out meals. Cheryl Glassman, ECMA president, said that 530 meals have been ordered from the caterer; 225 of those meals will go to Meals on Wheels clients and residents of local shelters and group homes.

On the menu will be roasted turkey, dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, a roll, drink, and dessert.

The Union Catering Co. is catering the main meal. The ECMA is seeking desserts from churches and individuals. Desserts may be brought to the office of First Call for Help of Ellis County, 607 E. 13th, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Glassman said volunteers are needed at the dinner, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, to help with set-up, serving plates, slicing pies, cleaning up, and other duties. Volunteers may sign up by calling First Call for Help at 785-623-2800.

One familiar aspect of the dinner will be the grocery give-away. Every household in attendance who wants one will receive a free sack of groceries, Glassman said. One feature that will be new this year is each sack will contain recipe cards featuring the food items in the sack. Last year around 200 sacks were distributed.

Glassman said the ECMA sponsors the free community meal each Thanksgiving because “Thanksgiving is a time for gathering--gathering with family, gathering with community.&nbsp;There are also people who are alone for the holidays .&nbsp;. . We want people to feel welcome. All are invited.”

Tax deductible donations to help with the cost of the dinner may be sent to ECMA, P.O. Box 173, Hays, KS 67601, with proceeds to benefit the ECMA Second Mile Fund.

Free Community Thanksgiving Feast to be held at Hays armory

WICHITA — Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home.

Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States.&nbsp;The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast.

“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Greater Kansas. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”

COOKING SAFETY TIPS&nbsp;Follow these safety tips and visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy0uO6yAQheHVwAyLR1HAgEEm2UaEqSJB15Zzweqoe_WtRD39zvkpa89QquRsArqUEKKXj4wtrIlWMMU2j9QogQvJVowmrT6S7BmTheAcok5gbwbXSBFBA7MAPTvxv_5f7aVvPKYK1VNF3wjU_uMRlvcgt_w4z6dwF2Gvwl5fr9cymOo45lyOcRf22vpguTP1ogZvXCarTvkDtz8Q7mKiCcnIkR_lez6PeQrQXO4bf45LPXY5z8G8v2PfmkFnQa26JAXBokquNRUTe6uJI4KRX9n-BgAA__96VFX5">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01uwyAQxfHTwA6LjwHDgkU2uUaEmSFGxXUKbq309FWibn_v_TFKS5Ayp6hmZ0Jw4C1fY1gWGSBLKAGtQV_8okCinlUykMHzGl3QMBvjnAygb8otHr0DCUQM5KhIH_VLbKk26kPM2WJ2tiCI7dc6mF4Db3E9jsdg5sL0lenreZ5TJ8x9H2Pa-53pa6mfKJ77dxdtz6mJvKbHQX1aj63xjbAm0alRGiQqxjfc_oGZi_JqDor3uKbneOzjYCAp3Ru9j1PeNz6OTrS9YluKckaDWGQKAmbtRDClCB_IaonkHSj-E_VfAAAA___Z1l9J">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Red Cross offers steps to help avoid a Thanksgiving cooking fire

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

HaysMed is pleased to welcome Michelle K. Helal, CRNA, to its anesthesia team.

Helal earned her master of science in nurse anesthesia and holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University. She brings a wealth of experience, having practiced in a variety of hospital and clinical settings across Maryland, Montana, West Virginia, and now Kansas.

Born and raised in a small, rural town, Helal has always had a strong passion for serving rural communities and providing personalized, high-quality care to patients.

“I’m honored to join HaysMed and serve the community,” said Helal. “Having grown up in a rural area, I understand the importance of accessible, compassionate care close to home. I’m excited to work alongside a skilled and supportive team to ensure patients feel safe and cared for throughout their surgical experience.”

Her arrival strengthens HaysMed’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to expert care and enhancing healthcare services for patients across western Kansas.

HaysMed announces new anesthesia provider

Ellis Knights of Columbus host free Thanksgiving Day meal

Cattleman’s Café, 1230 E. 27th, Hays, will once again offer a free sit-down turkey dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

No reservations or pre-orders will be taken; it is first-come, first-served until the food runs out, a news release said.

A slice of pumpkin pie will be $1. Water will come with the meal, but other drinks will be $2.99 each. 

To-go meals through the drive-thru will be $5 each.

Free Thanksgiving turkey dinner offered by Cattleman's Cafe in Hays

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

The culvert replacement project scheduled to take place in the 1400 block of Grants Villa Road has been postponed due to the recent weather conditions. 

 If you have any questions, please call Road and Bridge at 785-628-9455.

Culvert replacement project postponed

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

The Hays Eagle Media Center business office, 2300 Hall, will be closed on Friday, Nov. 28.

Eagle Media Center business office to close Friday, Nov. 28

The Hays Symphony Orchestra invites the community to “a night of orchestral carols and holiday cheer” at its annual “ringing in” of the holiday season.

The free “Poinsettia Pops Concert” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Ken Windholz, who teaches in the Psychology Department at Fort Hays State University, will be the special guest emcee.

“The symphony this year is partnering with the local chapter of Toys For Tots&nbsp;to bring children in need across Ellis County the joy of receiving gifts this holiday season,” the symphony’s website said.

“Please consider bringing new toys or other gifts,&nbsp;such as books, board/card games, arts and crafts kits, sports equipment, and personal items (hairbrushes, makeup, hair accessories, etc.) to be dropped off in the lobby” at the concert, the website said.

Among the traditional pieces scheduled to be performed are “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “Greensleeves.”

The symphony is directed by Ben Cline, professor of cello and bass and chair of the Music and Theatre Department at FHSU. A post-concert reception is being sponsored by Great Plains Dermatology.

Free tickets are available at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">hayssymphony.org</a>.

Hays Symphony ‘Poinsettia Pops Concert' is Dec. 5; partnering with Toys for Tots

The Teen Advisory Board has put together Winter Kits that are available to anyone who wants one.

They include a hat, gloves and other items to help keep warm this winter. 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org?__cft__[0]=AZVHVjjSgs2tvU-HoKElbTVBkrFfwNl0ol8q-MxzTafibt8Oea1StEYagzMBDa0o1qSSKaTg9P37KevGSpOqQWEFiLRmpALdy_kCI0UjIEtqiF58NPcsSCaSRZMSnHXLNB2N5jWwZ2l1c2nLmZ9Vnot9&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Women Who Lead</a>&nbsp;donated to this project.

Winter kits free at Hays Public Library thanks to Youth Advisory Council

A culvert replacement project will take place in the 1400 block of Grants Villa Road starting today.

This area will be closed to traffic until the project is completed.  If you are traveling through the affected closure area, use alternate routes until the work is complete.

It is expected to be finished Friday, Dec. 12, pending weather conditions.  If you have any questions, please call Road and Bridge at 785-628-9455.

Portion of Grant Villa Road closed for culvert repair

Grow Hays to offer local look at 2025 in review; public invited 

🎥President Trump's remarks on the attack on National Guard soldiers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">National Guard members</a>&nbsp;who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence that the mayor described as a targeted attack.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/muriel-bowser-washington-dc-trump-0e9f3cfc668fd70faa9820c8bfb4e7a3">Mayor Muriel Bowser</a>&nbsp;said they were hospitalized in critical condition.

The rare shooting of National Guard members comes as the presence of the troops in the nation’s capital and other cities around the country has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-dc-deployment-c1c2b13a7102632632267bf1262506ff">court fights</a>&nbsp;and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, said investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators.

“This was a targeted shooting,” Bowser said.

Two law enforcement officials and a person familiar with the matter said the suspect was believed to be an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 and has been living in Washington state.

The suspect has been identified by law enforcement officials as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, but authorities were still working to fully confirm his background, they said. The people could not discuss details of an ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but he later walked that statement back to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their condition.

A suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra troops.

Nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update.

The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station.

After hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, Carroll said.

“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect.

“At this point we have no other suspects,” Carroll said at a news conference.

At least one of the guard members exchanged gunfire with the shooter, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders performing CPR on one of the troops and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk.

Stacy Walters said she was in a car when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

Emma McDonald, who exited a metro station just after the shots were fired, said she and a friend sought safety with others in a cafe. McDonald told AP that minutes later she saw first responders rolling a stretcher carrying a National Guard member whose head was covered in blood.

More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year, while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.

Police tape cordoned off the scene, and fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were there, and National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

The president, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guard members “will pay a very steep price.”

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two guard members. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive.

“I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” Vance said as he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.

Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, scrapped plans to spend the holiday with troops at Guantanamo Bay in order to travel to D.C. and be with guard members there instead. “We are devastated by this senseless act of violence,” he said in a video posted on the social platform X.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later, but the troops remained.

Last week a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.

The guard members have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and been assigned to pick up trash and guard sports events.

Alleged shooter of National Guard Troops in DC identified

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members were hospitalized in critical condition. Bowser said they were victims of a ”targeted shooting.”

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack and the condition of the troops.

The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra soldiers.

There are currently 2,188 troops assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update.

Law enforcement was reviewing surveillance video from the scene and believed the suspect approached the soldiers and pulled out a gun, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

At least one of the soldiers exchanged gunfire with the shooter, the official said. Investigators were trying to determine the gunman's motive, including whether the suspect was targeting the troops for any specific reason, the official said.

The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders attempting CPR on one of the soldiers and treating the other on a glass-covered sidewalk. Other officers could be seen steps away restraining an individual on the ground.

Stacy Walters said she was in a car near the scene when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

The presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling a court fight and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week, about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia just over a week ago.

Police tape cordoned off the scene where fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

In Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Vice President JD Vance urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the two Guardsmen. He cautioned that much remained unknown, including the motive of the shooter.

Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.

The soldiers have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and also have been assigned to trash pickup and to guard sports events.

Trump orders more National Guard troops to DC after shooting of soldiers

The West Virginia governor initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was “receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The governor’s office did not immediately respond to questions about the attack and the condition of the troops.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.

Stacy Walters said she was in a car near the scene car when she heard two gunshots and saw people running. Almost instantly, law enforcement swarmed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this, and we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

Emergency medical responders transported all three people to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving event at the Convention Center and then held a news conference to explain why she was not seeking reelection.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two West Virginia National Guard members shot Wednesday near the White House have died, the state’s governor said.

Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed their deaths in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/wvgovernor/status/1993782336056357214?s=20">a social media post</a>.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," he said.

A suspect who was in custody also was shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. One National Guard member was shot in the head, according to a person familiar with the details of the incident who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

The shooting happened at the corner of 17th and H Streets in the northwest quadrant of the city, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services. The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they responded to the incident after reports of the shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department also said they were on-scene.

Police tape cordoned off the scene where emergency fire and police vehicles’ lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene, as National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

President Donald Trump, who is in Florida celebrating Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media that he was “closely monitoring” the shooting and that his “heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting.”

A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said that local leaders were actively monitoring the situation. Bowser had spent the morning at a Thanksgiving event at the Convention Center and then held a press conference to explain why she was not seeking reelection.

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later but the troops remained.

Associated Press reporters Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Safiyah Riddle, Matt Brown, Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker and Jesse Bedayn contributed.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f" target="_blank">WASHINGTON (AP) —Two National Guard members were shot</a>&nbsp;Wednesday near the White House and are in critical condition, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

A suspect, now in custody, was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, the source said.

Emergency medical responders transported all three victims to a hospital, according to Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump was at his West Palm Beach golf course when the shooting took place.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A suspect is in custody in the shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, police said.

Two guard soldiers were shot near the White House and their conditions aren’t immediately known, according to two law enforcement officials not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Emergency vehicles were seen responding to the area and at least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

The Joint DC Task Force confirmed they were responding to an incident in the vicinity of the White House in the movements after reports of the shooting. However, the spokesperson wouldn’t immediately confirm or deny if any National Guard members had been shot.

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