Two members of the National Guard were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C. Police have confirmed that a sole suspect has been apprehended, and the area has been secured.
Following the attack, which occurred just a few blocks from the White House, the iconic building was placed into lockdown. It is reported that both President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were not present during the incident.
In the aftermath, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce that the two guards were “critically wounded.” He also mentioned that the perpetrator, whom he referred to as an “animal,” is “severely wounded” but will face severe consequences.
Here’s what is currently known about the situation…
Authorities have not yet formally identified the two National Guard members involved in Wednesday’s shooting; however, an FBI update states they are both in ‘critical condition.’
Earlier reports mistakenly suggested that both guards were killed, prompting West Virginia’s governor to issue a statement honoring them, which incorrectly claimed they had died.
Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said, “These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country.” He later retracted this statement, citing ‘conflicting sources’ that confirmed the guards were still alive but critically injured.
NBC News, quoting an official briefed on the investigation, reported that both guardsmen were shot in the head.
The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. ET at the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station, near the busy intersection of 17th and I St NW, just a few blocks from the White House.
Details about the suspect’s identity remain sparse, but it is known that they were ‘seriously wounded’ during the incident before being apprehended. Multiple news sources have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national last reported to be in Bellingham, Washington.
According to CBS News and CNN, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021. Witnesses reported that the suspect used a handgun, initially shooting a female guard in the chest and then in the head. Lakanwal allegedly then shot a second guard before being subdued by a third National Guard member. The suspect, shot four times, was taken to the hospital.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive and are investigating all possibilities, including an act of terror.
President Trump, currently in Palm Springs for the Thanksgiving holidays, addressed the incident on Truth Social, stating, “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement.”
“These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”