An individual of Afghan nationality has been identified as the alleged perpetrator following the shooting of two US National Guard members near the White House, as reported by various sources. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, arrived in the United States in 2021.
As per information from NY Post, Lakanwal purportedly waited in ambush near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 PM before opening fire, hitting a female guard in the chest and then in the head, based on law enforcement reports.
The two guards were on active duty when the targeted assault occurred. Both were in critical condition in a hospital, according to FBI director Kash Patel.
Reportedly, the suspect was shot four times as he was being transported in an ambulance nearly unclothed, according to AP. Authorities were still in the process of verifying his background.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant to the DC police chief, stated that investigators had no details on a motive. He mentioned that the attacker immediately began shooting at the troops upon turning the corner, as indicated by video footage reviewed by investigators.
Mayor Bowser described the incident as a deliberate shooting.
Initially, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey stated that the troops had perished, but later clarified that his office was receiving conflicting reports about their condition. A suspect in custody also sustained gunshot wounds believed to be non-life-threatening, according to a law enforcement source.
Following the incident, the Trump administration promptly deployed an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that President Donald Trump requested the deployment of extra troops.
The shooting occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. After hearing gunshots, nearby troops restrained the gunman after he was shot, Mr. Carroll stated.
Mr. Carroll mentioned during a press briefing that it seemed to be a lone gunman who unexpectedly attacked the National Guard members. He added that at present, no other suspects were identified.
Another law enforcement official mentioned that at least one of the Guard members engaged in gunfire with the assailant.
While in Florida for Thanksgiving, Mr. Trump issued a statement on social media warning that the individual who shot the guard members would face severe consequences. He expressed support for the National Guard, Military, and Law Enforcement personnel.