Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded in a "targeted" shooting near the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan refugee, is in custody.
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He had been living in Washington state. President Donald Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, called the attack a "crime against humanity" and offered prayers for the victims.
The shooting occurred near 17th and I Street Northwest. Police described Lakanwal as a lone gunman who opened fire on the guardsmen. Nearby Guard members heard the shots and subdued him after an exchange of gunfire, during which the suspect was also injured. His injuries are not life-threatening.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. The suspect will be charged with assault on a federal officer. Following the attack, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered an additional 500 Guard troops to Washington, saying, "We will secure our capital." The White House was briefly placed under lockdown.
Witness Michael Ryan reported hearing gunshots and seeing people flee. The scene was cordoned off by multiple law enforcement agencies. Guard troops have been regularly deployed at transit hubs in the capital since August.
