Law enforcement officials have identified an Afghan national as the suspected gunman responsible for shooting two National Guard members in an incident near the White House that authorities are describing as a targeted attack.
Suspect Details and Background
The individual believed to have carried out Wednesday's shooting has been named as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, according to multiple law enforcement sources. Officials revealed that Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 and had been residing in Washington state prior to the incident.
The suspect is currently in custody after being shot during the confrontation. A law enforcement official who spoke anonymously to the Associated Press confirmed that Lakanwal sustained injuries described as not life-threatening. Authorities have not released additional information about the suspect's background or potential motives.
Attack Location and Victim Condition
The violent encounter occurred on Wednesday afternoon near the Farragut West metro station, located in close proximity to the White House in Washington DC. Both National Guard members who were shot during the incident remain hospitalised in critical condition according to the latest updates from officials.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser characterised the shooting as "a targeted shooting", though specific details about what evidence supports this assessment have not been made public. The declaration suggests authorities believe the assailant deliberately chose the National Guard members as his targets.
Enhanced Security Presence
National Guard troops have been deployed throughout Washington since August, when the Trump administration declared a "crime emergency" and ordered their deployment to support federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Currently, approximately 2,375 National Guard troops are activated in the capital city. Following Wednesday's shooting, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that President Trump has requested additional guard members be deployed to reinforce security in the area.
The incident has raised questions about security protocols surrounding key government installations and the safety of military personnel stationed in the nation's capital. Investigations into the shooting continue as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
