Afghan named as suspect in White House shooting

The suspect was shot four times after the targeted attack on the guards

An Afghan has been named as the suspected shooter after two U.S. National Guard members were shot 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 NYPostLakanwal reportedly lay in wait before turning the corner at the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 p.m. and opening fire, hitting a female security 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 said 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 to the D.C. police chief, said investigators had no information about a motive. He said the attacker “came around the corner” and immediately began shooting at the troopsciting video reviewed by researchers.

“This was a targeted shooting,” Bowser said.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had been killed, but later said his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their conditions. A suspect in custody was also shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, a law enforcement source said.

The Trump administration quickly sent 500 additional National Guard members to Washington after the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump has asked him to send additional troops.

The shooting took place about two blocks northwest of the White House, near a subway station. After hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and detained the gunman after he was shot, Carroll said.

“It appears it was a lone gunman who raised a firearm and ambushed these National Guard members. We have no other suspects at this time,” Mr. Carroll told a news conference.

Another law enforcement official said at least one of the Guard members exchanged gunfire with the gunman.

Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” that shot the guards “will pay a very high price.” “God bless our Great National Guard and all our military and law enforcement agencies. These are truly wonderful people,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I, as President of the United States, and everyone involved in the Office of the Presidency, stand with you!”