An individual of Afghan descent has been identified as the suspected shooter in the tragic incident where two US National Guard members were fatally shot close to the White House, as reported by various sources. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021, is believed to be the perpetrator.
According to reports from the NY Post, Lakanwal allegedly ambushed the National Guard members near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC at approximately 2:15 pm. The assailant first targeted a female guard, shooting her in the chest and subsequently in the head, based on information from law enforcement sources.
The two guards were on active duty when the deliberate attack occurred. FBI director Kash Patel confirmed that both individuals were in critical condition and receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Following the incident, the suspect was apprehended and reportedly sustained four gunshot wounds while being transported in an ambulance, nearly unclothed. Authorities are still in the process of verifying his background.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant to the DC police chief, stated that investigators had not yet determined a motive for the attack. He described how the suspect appeared suddenly and began firing at the troops without warning, as observed in video footage reviewed by the investigative team.
Washington DC Mayor Ms. Bowser characterized the shooting as a targeted attack.
Initially, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey mistakenly announced the deaths of the National Guard members but later corrected the information, citing conflicting reports on their condition. A suspect in custody was also injured but was reported to have non-life-threatening wounds, according to a law enforcement source.
In response to the incident, the Trump administration swiftly deployed an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that the decision came at the request of former President Donald Trump.
The shooting occurred in close proximity to the White House, near a metro station, where nearby troops intervened after hearing gunshots and subdued the shooter following his own injury, as per Mr. Carroll’s account.
At a press briefing, Mr. Carroll emphasized that the evidence suggested a lone gunman carried out the ambush on the National Guard members, with no indications of other suspects involved. Another law enforcement official mentioned that at least one of the guards engaged in a gunfight with the assailant.
Former President Trump, who was away in Florida for Thanksgiving, condemned the attack and promised severe consequences for the perpetrator in a social media statement. He expressed support for the National Guard and law enforcement, praising their dedication and service.
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