Law enforcement officials in the United States have identified the suspect in a shooting that left two National Guard members critically wounded near the White House.
Suspect Details and Incident Location
The suspected gunman is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who is reported to have entered the US in September 2021. Officials stated that he had been residing in Washington state prior to the incident.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon close to the Farragut West metro station in the heart of the capital city. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has characterised the violent event as a targeted shooting.
Aftermath and Security Response
Following the attack, Lakanwal was taken into custody. He was also shot during the encounter and sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. The two National Guardsmen who were shot, however, remain in critical condition.
In response to the shooting, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that former President Trump has requested additional National Guard members be deployed to the area. An estimated 2,375 National Guard troops are already activated in Washington, a presence that began in August after the Trump administration declared a crime emergency.
Further details about the suspect's background and motives have not yet been released by authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
