Federal investigators have identified the man accused of shooting two National Guard service members just blocks from the White House on Tuesday. The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal—an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021—remains hospitalized and in custody after an exchange of gunfire with authorities.
The attack unfolded near the Farragut North Metro Station during what officials say was an ambush-style assault. Witnesses reported hearing between 10 and 15 shots as chaos erupted in the busy area.
According to law enforcement sources, the confrontation escalated quickly. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times before taking him into custody. Lakanwal was not carrying identification when arrested and has reportedly declined to cooperate with investigators.
The two National Guard members injured in the shooting were part of a West Virginia unit. Their conditions have been the subject of conflicting reports. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey first stated the service members had died, then later corrected his statement, noting that information remained unconfirmed. Some federal sources have said the victims are in critical condition, with concerns they may be medically brain dead, though no official medical update has been released.
Governor Morrisey expressed deep concern, saying he and his wife were “devastated” by the news and were keeping the families and Guard community in their prayers.
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb also condemned the violence, calling the incident “heartbreaking” and emphasizing the sacrifices made by National Guard volunteers.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local authorities are jointly investigating the shooting. While the motive is still unknown, investigators are reviewing whether the assault could meet the definition of terrorism. Some early witness accounts suggested the suspect may have shouted something in another language during the attack, though officials stressed that those claims remain unverified.
Authorities say there is no evidence at this time that the shooting was connected to the White House or any other federal property.
The attack comes amid a reported rise in ambush-style assaults targeting law enforcement and military personnel in 2025. The incident has already reignited debates over public safety in Washington, D.C., immigration vetting procedures, and the protection of military service members operating in civilian areas.
Officials are urging anyone with information or video recordings from the scene to contact investigators as they work to piece together what led to the violent confrontation.
