Two National Guard Members Critically Injured in Shooting Near White House; Suspect in Custody

On Wednesday afternoon, two West Virginia National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, an area typically bustling with office workers and tourists. The alleged gunman, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, opened fire on the troops during their routine patrol. Lakanwal was wounded during the confrontation and is currently in custody with non-life-threatening injuries.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, with authorities considering potential links to international terrorism. The FBI is leading the inquiry, and no other suspects are being sought at this time.

In response to the shooting, President Donald Trump condemned the attack as an "act of terror" and emphasized the need for stricter immigration policies. He announced plans to reassess the vetting process for Afghan refugees who entered the U.S. under the resettlement initiative following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., at the President's request. This decision comes amid ongoing legal challenges regarding the federal deployment of National Guard forces in the capital. A federal judge recently ruled that the continued presence of these troops was unlawful, though the ruling's enforcement was delayed to allow for an appeal.

The shooting also led to temporary disruptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with the Federal Aviation Administration briefly halting flights due to the emergency response. Normal operations resumed shortly thereafter.

Both injured National Guard members remain hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and are urging the public to remain vigilant.