Washington DC Shooting: Afghan Migrant Identified as Suspect After Attack on National Guard, What We Know So Far

Washington: Two members of the National Guard remain in critical condition after a shooting near the White House on Wednesday. The gunman - now identified as 29-year-old Afghan migrant Rahmanullah Lakanwal - is currently in custody, and federal agencies have launched a full terrorism investigation into the attack.

The shooting took place around 2:15 PM near 17th and I Streets NW, an area close to government buildings and high-security zones. Initial reports indicate that the attacker approached three National Guard personnel on patrol and opened fire at close range. 

Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, said video reviewed by investigators showed the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops. The suspect opened fire with a revolver, according to a law enforcement official. Two soldiers were hit before a third returned fire, striking the suspect and ending the confrontation. Authorities believe he was the only gunman. T

wo soldiers were hit before a third returned fire, striking the suspect and ending the confrontation. Authorities believe he was the only gunman. The suspect’s wounds were not believed to be life-threatening, one of the officials said.

Victims’ Condition

The two injured National Guard members were rushed to a nearby hospital and remain in critical condition. They belong to the West Virginia National Guard, which deployed hundreds of troops to the nation's capital as part of President Donald Trump's crime-fighting mission that involved taking over the local police department. There were nearly 2,200 Guard members in D.C. for the mission.  Officials have not yet released their names. 

Who Is the Suspect?

The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States in 2021 under a humanitarian resettlement programme during the evacuation from Afghanistan. Lakamal arrived in Bellingham, Washington, about four years ago with his wife and five children, according to his former landlord Kristina Widman. It's unclear how Lakanwal might have traveled to the nation's capital, which is about 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) away.

They were among about 800 Afghan refugees that settled in Washington state under Operation Allies Welcome with the financial support of the U.S. government. Among those that partnered with federal agencies to sponsor the Afghan families was World Relief, a faith-based group that helped the refugees with finding housing, employment training and language classes as they settled in the Seattle area.

Investigators are currently reviewing his background, immigration status, online activity, and potential extremist ties. As of now, there is no confirmed motive.

Federal Investigation Underway

The FBI and other national security agencies are treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism. However, officials have clarified that the suspect appears to have acted alone, and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.

Government Response

As of early November, the D.C. National Guard had the largest number on the ground with 949. In addition to West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama also had forces in the capital early this month. A federal judge last week ordered an end to the Guard deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal.

Following the shooting, President Donald Trump ordered an additional deployment of 500 National Guard troops to Washington, DC - on top of the existing forces already stationed under earlier security orders. Security has been tightened across the capital, including at government complexes, transport hubs, and public squares.

For now, the suspect remains hospitalized under heavy guard, and the area around the shooting site continues to be secured. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Also Read: Shooting Near White House Injures Several Including Two National Guard Men