Two National Guard members are in critical condition after being shot just a few blocks from the White House in Washington DC. Authorities say the attack appears to have been “targeted,” prompting a federal investigation.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Police say the incident occurred around 14:15 local time (19:15 GMT) when a lone gunman came around a street corner, raised his firearm, and opened fire on two West Virginia National Guard members on duty near downtown Washington.
Nearby Guard personnel immediately responded after hearing gunshots. Following a brief exchange, they subdued the attacker and held him until police arrived.
Suspect Identified as Afghan National
US media reports identify the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021.
He was also injured during the confrontation and is currently being treated in hospital under police custody.
Officials say the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Victims in Critical Condition
The two wounded National Guard members remain in critical condition.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially stated the victims had died but later corrected his remarks, citing “conflicting reports” from the ground.
Federal Authorities Lead Inquiry
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the incident will be handled as a federal case, describing it as an attack on law enforcement.
He called the injured Guardsmen “heroes” and vowed a thorough investigation.
President Trump Orders Additional Troops
Speaking from Florida, President Donald Trump said the attacker would “pay a very steep price.”
He instructed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy 500 more National Guard troops to Washington DC, reinforcing the roughly 2,000 already in place as part of an ongoing anti-crime operation.
Context: Guard Deployment and Crime Trends
The Trump administration deployed National Guard troops across Washington in August to curb rising crime.
A federal court filing submitted today argues the deployment is “plainly lawful,” despite legal challenges from city officials.
Data from Washington DC police show:
62 homicides between May 25 and November 25 this year
Down from 107 homicides during the same period in 2024
Police note overall crime has fallen since the Guard deployment, though the exact impact remains under review.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos
Witnesses described panic as gunfire erupted near busy streets filled with Thanksgiving visitors.
An Uber passenger reported hearing “boom, boom” before seeing people fleeing
Office workers mistook the first shots for a vehicular crash
Tourists said they felt the gunfire was “uncomfortably close”
videos show emergency personnel treating the victims and officers apprehending the suspect near 17th Street NW and I Street NW, close to Farragut Square.
