FBI director Kash Patel and Washington mayor Muriel Bowser said the soldiers were in hospital in a critical condition following the shooting on Wednesday.

Ms Bowser said they were victims of a ”targeted shooting”.

West Virginia state governor Patrick Morrisey initially said the soldiers 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 soldiers.

“We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues,” Mr Morrisey said.

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 authorised

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