An individual from Afghanistan has been identified as the alleged shooter following the shooting of two US National Guard members near the White House, as reported by various sources. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, arrived in the US in 2021.
According to sources in law enforcement, Lakanwal was purportedly waiting in ambush near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 pm before shooting at a female guard, hitting her in the chest and then in the head.
The two guards were on duty when the targeted attack occurred, and they were both in critical condition in the hospital, confirmed by FBI director Kash Patel.
Reportedly, the suspect was shot four times and taken away in an ambulance almost unclothed. Authorities were still in the process of verifying his background.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant to the DC police chief, mentioned that investigators had no information on a motive for the attack. He stated that the perpetrator began firing at the troops immediately upon approaching them, as seen in the video footage reviewed by investigators.
DC Mayor Bowser described the incident as a targeted shooting.
Initially, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey stated that the troops had passed away, but later clarified that there were conflicting reports about their condition. A suspect in custody was also injured but was reported to have non-life-threatening wounds, according to a law enforcement source.
Following the shooting, the Trump administration swiftly deployed an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared that President Donald Trump had requested the deployment of the extra troops.
The shooting occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. Other troops in the vicinity responded to the gunfire, subdued the gunman after he was shot, as per Mr. Carroll.
Mr. Carroll stated at a news conference that it seemed to be a lone gunman who attacked the National Guard members. He confirmed that there were no other suspects at that point.
Another law enforcement officer mentioned that at least one of the Guard members engaged in gunfire with the assailant.
While President Trump was in Florida for Thanksgiving, he issued a statement on social media warning that the perpetrator who shot the guard members would face severe consequences. He expressed his support for the National Guard and all military and law enforcement personnel.
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