Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are fighting for their lives in hospital after a shocking daylight shooting just blocks from the White House in Washington DC.
The Ambush Attack
The incident unfolded at approximately 2:15pm on Wednesday in an area two blocks north-west of the White House. US attorney Jeanine Pirro described the assault as an "ambush-style" gun attack.
The victims have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both recently sworn-in members of the guard. They were reportedly shot by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, who allegedly emerged from around a corner and immediately began firing at the troops.
A third guard member present at the scene returned fire, striking Lakanwal. The suspect was subsequently arrested and is receiving hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Suspect Profile and Investigation
Authorities reveal that Lakanwal had driven across the United States from his family home in Bellingham, Washington state, where he lives with his wife and five children. Investigators believe he acted alone in carrying out the attack.
Lakanwal's background includes work with the CIA in Afghanistan. He came to the US in 2021 as part of a programme to resettle Afghans who had assisted American operations. CIA director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwal was "a member of a partner force in Kandahar".
Law enforcement officials state that the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Executive assistant DC police chief Jeffery Carroll noted that the suspect "came around the corner" and began firing immediately, with investigators having no current information about his motivations.
Legal and Political Fallout
Lakanwal currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges could be upgraded to first-degree murder if either of the guard members succumbs to their injuries.
In response to the attack, the Trump administration has authorised the deployment of 500 additional National Guard members to Washington DC. The administration has also called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered the country under the Biden administration.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily halted processing all immigration requests for Afghan nationals, citing the need for "further review of security and vetting protocols".
Both guard members remain hospitalised in critical condition as the investigation continues to unfold.
