Three people who were critically injured in a lightning strike outside the White House have died, police said Friday. One other is still hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.


What You Need To Know

  • Police say two people who were critically injured in a lightning strike outside the White House have died

  • Two other people remained hospitalized Friday with life-threatening injuries

  • The lightning strike happened Thursday night in Lafayette Park, located directly outside the White House complex

  • Police identify those who died as 76-year-old James Mueller and 75-year-old Donna Mueller, of Janesville, Wisconsin

James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died of their injuries after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park, located directly outside the White House complex, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

A third person, a 29 year old male, died of his injuries, police confirmed Friday. His identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notifications

The last person, an adult woman, remains in critical condition and is in treatment at a local hospital, the police department said.

Authorities did not reveal how the people were injured, other than to say they were critically hurt in the lightning strike.

Officers with the Secret Service and the U.S. Park Police witnessed the lightning strike Thursday night and ran over to render first aid, officials said.

Emergency medical crews were called to the scene just before 7 p.m. and had transported all of the victims to the hospital with "critical, life-threatening injures," fire department spokesman Vito Maggiolo said.

The White House said in a statement it was "saddened by the tragic loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park."

"Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, and we are praying for those still fighting for their lives," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.