Two National Guardsmen were shot just blocks away from the White House in Washington DC, on Wednesday, authorities and officials confirmed.
International media outlets including CBS News has identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, according to multiple law enforcement sources. Officials say Lakanwal is an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the incident took place in downtown Washington DC, a few streets from the presidential complex.
DC Metropolitan Police said the scene is now secure and that one suspect has been taken into custody who is an Afghan national. They urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue. While there is not official statement on the motive behind the incident, social media users are speculating multiple possible scenarios associated with the shooting today.
Emergency response officials said three victims were transported to hospital, though the identity and condition of the third victim remain unclear. The circumstances and motive behind the shooting have not yet been confirmed.
The White House said it is “aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation”, adding that US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the developments, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
President Trump posted on social media platform ‘Truth Social’ calling the perpetrator ‘animal’. He further states that “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price.”
Furthermore, he noted “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The National Guard has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
New Updates
According to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, two brave National Guard soldiers who were shot today have died in the hospital.
“These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country,” the governor wrote on social media.
