The lightning strike hit Lafayette Park which sits directly across the street from the White House, Vito Maggiolo, a spokesperson for DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said in a news conference Thursday evening.
“All four were suffering critical, life-threatening injuries,” when help arrived, said Maggiolo, who was unable to provide additional details about the incident or the victims’ conditions.
The victims were riding out the storm under a tree, according to a law enforcement source.
A severe thunderstorm hit the DC region around 7 p.m. ET Thursday.
This story has been updated with additional information.