Two National Guard members from West Virginia are in critical condition after being shot less than two blocks from the White House in Washington, DC, in what authorities describe as a “targeted attack.” The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Farragut Square Metro Station, a busy area frequented by office workers.
Police say a lone gunman opened fire on the soldiers during their high-visibility patrol along 17th and I Streets. Nearby National Guard personnel quickly intervened, subduing the suspect until law enforcement arrived. The suspect, identified by multiple sources as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot four times during the confrontation. His motives remain unclear, and he is reportedly not cooperating with authorities.
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time, condemned the attack, calling it “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” and vowed that the suspect would face the “steepest possible price.” Vice-President JD Vance, addressing troops in Kentucky, urged citizens to pray for the victims, while West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed that both soldiers are from his state’s National Guard, though their exact condition remains uncertain amid conflicting reports.
The attack prompted a temporary shutdown at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, briefly grounding flights. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, chaos on the streets, and medics attending to the injured soldiers and the suspect.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency is leading the investigation, describing the shooting as a “brazenly executed horrendous act of violence.” Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said the soldiers were ambushed and praised the quick response of fellow National Guard members in restraining the shooter.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump has authorized the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington DC. The city currently hosts nearly 2,200 National Guard members from several states, tasked with supporting local law enforcement, though they have limited authority to make arrests.
This incident marks a serious security breach in the nation’s capital and underscores ongoing concerns over public safety in high-profile areas. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, the suspect’s background, and potential motives.
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