Former US President Barack Obama has declared that "violence has no place in America" following a shooting incident that occurred just blocks from the White House, leaving two National Guard members critically injured.
Leaders Respond to the Attack
In a poignant message on social media, Barack Obama, alongside his wife Michelle, expressed his profound concern. "Michelle and I are praying for the service members shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances," he wrote.
The attack also prompted a swift response from current President Donald Trump. Posting from Florida, where he was celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, President Trump used his Truth Social platform to condemn the assailant, whom he referred to as an "animal", and vowed that the individual "will pay a very steep price". He extended his blessings to the National Guard and all military and law enforcement personnel.
Details of the Shooting and the Suspect
Law enforcement officials have identified the suspected shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who is reported to have arrived in the United States in 2021.
The violent episode unfolded near a metro station, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House. According to Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, the assailant "came around the corner" and immediately began firing at the troops who were on duty. Following the gunfire, other service members in the vicinity rushed to the scene, managing to subdue the gunman after he was shot.
The two injured guards were rushed to hospital, where the FBI director Kash Patel confirmed they both remain in a critical condition. Disturbing footage from the scene, circulated on social media, showed first responders performing CPR on one of the troops and treating the other on a sidewalk littered with glass.
Broader Context and Political Debate
This incident casts a renewed spotlight on the ongoing and contentious deployment of the National Guard in Washington DC. The Trump administration's use of military personnel to address what it terms an 'out-of-control crime problem' has been a subject of intense public policy debate for months.
In August, President Trump issued an emergency order that federalised the local police force and deployed National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. Although the order expired a month later, the troops remained. The situation was further complicated last week when a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment, but placed a 21-day hold on her ruling to allow the administration time to appeal or remove the troops.
The role of these Guard members has been extensive, involving:
- Patrolling neighbourhoods and railway stations
- Participating in highway checkpoints
- Completing tasks such as rubbish collection and guarding sports events
This deployment included more than 300 West Virginia National Guard members sent to the capital in August, with approximately 160 recently volunteering to extend their service until the end of the year. As the investigation continues, authorities state they have no information regarding the shooter's motive.
