Reuters criticized for article stating fatal Washington, D.C., lightning strike offers 'climate warning'

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Reuters is being criticized by social media users for an article stating the lightning strike in Washington, D.C., that killed three people offers a "climate warning."

"Scientists say that climate change is increasing the likelihood of lightning strikes across the United States, after lightning struck at a square near the White House, leaving three people dead and one other in critical condition," the Reuters article states.

Officials in Washington, D.C., responded to reports of a lightning strike in the center of Lafayette Park, near the White House, on Thursday.

When DC Fire and EMS responded to the incident, four people were treated and taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

THIRD VICTIM DIES AFTER LIGHTNING STRIKE NEAR WHITE HOUSE

Lightning struck Lafayette Park near the White House, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. (Fox 5 DC WTTG)

"No it doesn’t. It’s lightning. Kind of ancient thing," John Gibson said about the Reuters article.

"Reuters isn’t a news organization," NewsBusters News Analyst Kevin Tober said.

"They’re getting dumber," Kyle Becker said.

LIGHTNING STRIKES NEAR WHITE HOUSE 

First responders on the scene after a lightning strike in Lafayette Park.  (DC Fire and EMS)

"Or, it’s lightning in the summer in DC. I grew up there, it happens," RedState Columnist Buzz Patterson tweeted. 

Three people died after being injured by the lightning strike.

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James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died after the lightning strike at Lafayette Park. A 29-year-old adult male also died.

Fox News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.