Washington DC Shooting: What Happened and Who Is the Suspect

A shocking incident occurred near the White House in Washington DC, where two members of the National Guard were shot while on duty. Both victims are members of the West Virginia National Guard and are reported to be in critical condition. US authorities have stated that the guards were deliberately targeted in what is being treated as a serious attack.

The suspected shooter, who was also injured during the confrontation, was taken to hospital and remains in police custody. According to Jeffrey Carroll, Assistant Chief of Police, there appears to have been only one assailant who launched a sudden attack on the guards. Reports indicate the suspect approached three National Guard members before opening fire, initially targeting one and then another. A third guard returned fire, stopping the attacker.

The incident occurred at Farragut Square, close to the White House and a busy public transport hub, which is normally crowded with tourists and commuters. At the time, President Donald Trump was in Florida, but approximately 2,200 National Guard members had already been deployed in Washington DC for security, including 925 from the DC National Guard and over 1,200 from other states.

Investigations have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in September 2021 under the “Operation Allies Welcome” programme. This initiative brought thousands of Afghans, many of whom had served as interpreters, drivers, or support staff for US forces, to safety following the Taliban’s return to power.

In response to the attack, President Trump announced plans to expand vetting procedures for Afghan arrivals, stating that all aliens entering the US from Afghanistan must now be reassessed. US Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily suspended processing of all Afghan immigration applications. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an additional 500 National Guard personnel will be deployed in Washington to bolster security and reassure the public.

The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the US capital and raises urgent questions about immigration and public safety measures.