The suspect was shot four times after the targeted attack on the guards
An Afghan national has been named as the suspected shooter after two US National Guard members were gunned down near the White House, according to multiple sources. Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the US in 2021.
According to NY Post, Lakanwal was allegedly lying in wait before he rounded the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2.15pm, then opened fire, striking a female guard in the chest before shooting her in the head, according to law enforcement sources.
The two guards were on duty when the targeted attack took place. They were both in critical condition in hospital according to FBI director Kash Patel.
The suspect was reportedly shot four times as he was taken away in an ambulance nearly naked, according to AP. Authorities were still working to fully confirm his background, they said.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, said investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators.
“This was a targeted shooting,” Ms Bowser said.
West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but later said his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their condition. A suspect who was in custody was also shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement source.
The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington after the shooting. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra troops.
The shooting happened roughly two blocks north west of the White House near a metro station. After hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, Mr Carroll said.
“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard. At this point, we have no other suspects,” Mr Carroll told a news conference.
Another law enforcement officer said that at least one of the Guard members exchanged gunfire with the gunman.
Mr Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guard members “will pay a very steep price”. “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
