Two West Virginia National Guard members remain in critical condition after a shooting near the White House on Wednesday. The incident, described as 'targeted' by officials, occurred near the Farragut West metro station. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the US in September 2021 under a Biden-era policy, is in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the details in a press conference, stating the shooting is being treated as an assault on a federal officer. The suspect was also shot during the incident and hospitalised; it remains unclear who fired the shots that struck him.
President Donald Trump, in a video posted on the White House's X account, criticised the Biden-era programme that allowed the suspect's entry, calling Afghanistan 'a hellhole on earth'. He ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops deployed to Washington, citing national security concerns.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported both soldiers had been killed but later corrected the statement, saying more information was needed. He confirmed speaking with Trump and vowed to ensure justice is served.
The shooting has prompted lockdowns in nearby buildings, including The Guardian's Washington office. The White House was also locked down. Vice President JD Vance called for prayers for the injured guardsmen, while former President Barack Obama condemned the violence and offered condolences.
National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington since August under Trump's orders, with a current taskforce of about 2,375 troops. A legal challenge to the deployment is pending, with a potential withdrawal deadline of 11 December if an appeal is unsuccessful.
