Two National Guard soldiers were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the White House in downtown Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, authorities confirmed, while the suspect was apprehended after sustaining gunshot injuries during the incident.
The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national from Washington State. Officials are investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism. Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era initiative to resettle Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He applied for asylum in December 2024 and was approved in April 2025. Authorities noted that he has no prior criminal record.
The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. ET near the intersection of 17th and I Streets, just a few blocks from the White House. The two soldiers, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were on a high-visibility patrol when the suspect allegedly ambushed them. After an exchange of gunfire, other National Guard personnel subdued the suspect. Both wounded soldiers were airlifted to local hospitals and remain in critical condition.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack as a “targeted attack,” while FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the suspect appeared to have acted alone.
In response, U.S. President Donald Trump, who was at his Florida resort, ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops deployed to Washington, joining approximately 2,200 already stationed in the city. Vice President JD Vance cited the shooting as justification for the administration’s immigration policies, emphasizing the need to deport individuals without legal status in the country.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene near Farragut Square, where pedestrians fled in panic. Some observed the injured soldiers being assisted by fellow National Guard members and emergency responders. The deployment of Guard troops to Washington, first initiated in August, has been politically contentious, with local officials and Democratic leaders criticizing the measure as overly aggressive.
The investigation into the shooting continues, and authorities are examining motives and security protocols in the area surrounding the nation’s capital.
