White House Shooting: Afghan National Identified as Suspect
An Afghan national has been identified as the suspected gunman in a targeted shooting that left two US National Guard members fighting for their lives near the White House. The incident has prompted a significant security response and an investigation into the assailant's motives.
Details of the Attack Emerge
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, allegedly lay in wait before launching his assault. The attack occurred at approximately 2:15 pm near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC, roughly two blocks from the White House.
Investigators, citing video evidence, stated that Lakanwal "came around the corner" and immediately opened fire on the guards who were on duty. He reportedly struck a female guard in the chest before shooting her in the head. Other troops in the area, hearing the gunfire, ran to the scene and subdued the gunman after he was shot.
"This was a targeted shooting," officials confirmed. At least one of the Guard members is believed to have exchanged gunfire with the assailant during the violent encounter.
Aftermath and Official Response
Following the shooting, the two guards were transported to hospital in a critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot four times and was taken into custody. He was described as being nearly naked when placed in an ambulance, but his wounds were not believed to be life-threatening.
The Trump administration acted swiftly, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirming that President Donald Trump had ordered 500 additional National Guard members to Washington DC in response to the attack.
Former President Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, issued a statement on social media, calling the shooter an "animal" and vowing that he "will pay a very steep price." He also expressed his support for the National Guard and law enforcement.
Authorities, including FBI director Kash Patel and DC police, stated that they are still working to fully confirm the suspect's background and have no immediate information regarding a motive for the brutal attack.
