Two National Guardsmen are fighting for their lives after a targeted shooting near the White House in Washington DC, an incident President Donald Trump has labelled an "act of terror".
The victims have been named as 20-year-old Sarah Backstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both members of the West Virginia National Guard. They were reportedly sworn in less than 24 hours before the attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon.
Suspect identified and immigration processing halted
The alleged shooter has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under the Biden-era programme, Operation Allies Welcome. According to law enforcement officials, Lakanwal was granted asylum in April of this year.
US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro stated that Lakanwal had driven across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the assault. FBI Director Kash Patel and the CIA director confirmed that the suspect had previous connections to US forces in Afghanistan.
In a significant policy response following the attack, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it would immediately stop processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals. The suspension is indefinite, pending a further review of security and vetting protocols.
Critical condition and swift response
Both Guardsmen sustained critical injuries and have undergone surgery. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed they came through the procedures, noting that terrorism charges carrying a minimum life sentence would be pursued.
Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department described how the suspect emerged from around a corner and opened fire on the troops, who were able to return fire, wounding the assailant. The suspect is also in hospital receiving treatment.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser characterised the incident as a "targeted shooting", a assessment supported by the swift lockdown of the White House complex, which has since been lifted.
Political fallout and national reaction
President Trump addressed the nation, condemning the "heinous assault" and launching a scathing critique of the previous administration's immigration policies. He has requested an additional 500 National Guard troops be deployed to the capital.
The shooting has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Former President Barack Obama stated that "violence has no place in America", while California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack "horrific and unacceptable".
The deployment of National Guard troops to Washington DC has been a contentious issue, with a recent federal court order to end it currently on hold. The two injured soldiers were part of a contingent from West Virginia deployed to bolster security in the district.
