Two West Virginia National Guard personnel were critically injured in a shooting just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon, prompting heightened security measures and renewed debate over federal deployments in major U.S. cities. Authorities said the incident appeared to be a targeted attack on the uniformed personnel.
President calls incident an act of terror
U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack, describing it as an act intended to harm the nation and its security forces. He said the suspect taken into custody was a foreign national who entered the United States during the 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan. The President also ordered an additional deployment of 500 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., following the incident.
In his statement, Trump said his administration would review entry records of individuals who arrived during the 2021 airlift, adding that national security agencies were examining all available information related to the suspect.
Officials brief on investigation
FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that the two injured Guard members were undergoing treatment in separate hospitals and remained in critical condition. They said the shooting occurred near a busy metro station in downtown Washington at a time when offices and public spaces were bustling.
The suspect was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly arrived in the United States under Operation Allies Welcome during the Afghanistan evacuation in 2021. U.S. media outlets reported that he had been residing in Washington state after his resettlement.
According to officials, Lakanwal acted alone. He was shot during the confrontation, taken into custody, and transported to a hospital. Investigators have not yet determined a motive.
Heightened security and broader concerns
The attack has placed renewed focus on the federal government’s deployment of National Guard troops in several U.S. cities facing public safety concerns. The deployments, concentrated in cities governed by Democratic administrations, have faced lawsuits from local officials who argue that they infringe upon state and municipal authority.
Wednesday’s shooting has intensified calls from some lawmakers for a reassessment of how federal personnel are positioned and protected in urban environments.
Eyewitness accounts and scene response
Residents in the area reported hearing gunfire shortly before emergency services arrived. Offices surrounding the metro station were temporarily placed under lockdown, and police cordoned off multiple streets while securing the scene.
Officials praised the rapid response of law enforcement and emergency teams, emphasising that the swift intervention likely prevented additional casualties.
Investigation continues
Authorities said the FBI is examining the incident as a potential act of terrorism, though no definitive links have been established. They also confirmed that no additional suspects are being sought at this time.
The shooting has prompted increased patrols in central Washington, with additional surveillance measures around key federal buildings. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Conclusion
The attack has shaken Washington, D.C., and raised urgent questions about public safety, federal deployments, and the resettlement monitoring systems in place for individuals who entered the United States during the Afghanistan withdrawal. As the investigation continues, officials stress that safeguarding public spaces and federal personnel remains a top priority.