WASHINGTON – Two people are dead and two others are in critical condition after lightning struck across the street from the White House Thursday night, the Metropolitan Police Department said Friday.
A police department spokesman identified the deceased as James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, both of Janesville, Wis.
The other two victims remain in critical condition, the spokesman said.
In a statement Friday morning, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “We are saddened by the tragic loss of life following the lightning strike in Lafayette Park. Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones and we offer our prayers.” for those who are still fighting for their lives.”
Spokesman D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department Vito Maggiolo said Thursday night that agency personnel found victims with “critical, life-threatening” injuries in Lafayette Square before 7 p.m. CET. Four people — two adult males and two adult females — were taken to hospitals in critical condition, Maggiolo said.
