Federal investigators have identified the man accused of shooting two National Guard members in downtown Washington, D.C., as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program.
According to officials, Lakanwal arrived after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan but remained in the country after his parole expired in September 2025. He had no valid immigration status at the time of the attack.
The shooting happened near the Farragut Metro Station—just a short walk from the White House—where authorities say Lakanwal launched a deliberate, ambush-style assault on the service members. Witnesses described sudden gunfire erupting in the busy area as roughly a dozen shots were exchanged.
Officers returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times before taking him into custody. He was taken to a nearby hospital and placed under police watch. Investigators say he carried no identification and has not cooperated with questioning.
Early witness statements suggested the attacker may have shouted something in a foreign language, though officials stressed these claims have not been verified. Audio from nearby surveillance and interviews are still being analyzed.
Both National Guard members were left with life-threatening injuries. Initial rumors that the victims had died were later corrected by officials, who confirmed that both remain in critical condition. Some sources indicated the pair may be medically unresponsive, but final confirmation is still pending.
The incident has prompted strong reactions from state and federal leaders. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said he was “devastated” by the news, offering support for the soldiers’ families and the Guard community. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb condemned the attack as senseless, emphasizing the service and sacrifice of Guard personnel.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local agencies are jointly investigating the case. While the motive has not yet been determined, authorities say they are treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism based on early evidence, including the location and nature of the attack.
Officials stressed that there is currently no indication of a link to the White House or any broader coordinated threat. However, they noted that ambush-style assaults targeting military members and law enforcement have risen across the country in 2025.
The shooting has reignited debate over security protections for National Guard personnel deployed in federal districts and the challenges surrounding public safety in high-profile government areas.
Investigators are asking anyone with video, eyewitness accounts, or other relevant information to come forward as the probe continues.
