The FBI has confirmed that the individual responsible for the recent shooting near the White House, which resulted in the deaths of two National Guard members, is Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal. The suspect was apprehended at the scene after being shot by security personnel.
According to the Associated Press, Lakanwal, who reportedly arrived in the United States in September 2021 and lived in Washington state, opened fire on the soldiers near Farragut West Metro Station, located in the heart of Washington D.C. Authorities have described the incident as a "targeted attack."
The two National Guardsmen, members of the West Virginia unit, were rushed to a local hospital with severe injuries and sadly succumbed to their wounds shortly thereafter. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed their passing alongside FBI Director Kash Patel.
Assistant Chief of D.C. Police, Jeffrey Carroll, reported that the attack happened around 2:20 p.m. local time. He recounted that the gunman "turned the corner and began shooting directly at the soldiers," operating independently.
Other National Guard members who responded to the gunfire managed to subdue the assailant at the scene. NBC News reported that Lakanwal was also shot and taken to a hospital; however, his injuries were not life-threatening, and he remains in federal custody.
Law enforcement sources verified Lakanwal's identity as confirmed by four senior law enforcement officials involved in the investigation. Lakanwal reportedly entered the U.S. with a special SIV visa during Operation Allies Refuge following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, was promptly informed of the attack. He issued a stern warning on his social platform, Truth Social, stating that the perpetrator "will pay a very high price." He also extended support to the military and law enforcement community.
"God bless our great National Guard, our entire military, and law enforcement. They are true heroes," the President stated.
The shooting led to the temporary closure of several downtown Washington streets and a precautionary lockdown of the White House. Helicopters hovered overhead as teams from the FBI, ATF, and Secret Service secured the area.
This incident occurs amid heated discussions regarding security in the nation's capital and the deployment of federal troops, ordered by President Trump as part of his crackdown on crime.
The FBI has yet to disclose whether political or terrorist motives were behind the attack, as their investigation remains ongoing.
Key Questions About the Washington D.C. Shooting
Who was responsible for the Washington D.C. shooting?
The suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was responsible for the shooting near the White House.
What was the outcome for the National Guardsmen involved in the shooting?
Both National Guardsmen involved in the incident were transported to a hospital with serious injuries and unfortunately passed away shortly after.
How did President Trump respond to the shooting?
President Trump, informed while in Florida, warned that the perpetrator will face severe consequences and expressed support for the military and law enforcement.