2 weeks ago
An Afghan national is suspected of shooting two Guard members near the White House. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism with the victims in critical condition.
Lakanwal entered the country under Operation Allies Welcome and resettled in Bellingham, Washington. (Photo: X)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 27, 2025 06:24 IST
The man accused of shooting two Guard members just blocks from the White House is believed to be an Afghan national, law enforcement officials said, warning that parts of his identity are still being verified. The shooting happened on Wednesday afternoon near the Farragut Metro Station and left both Guardsmen in critical condition.
CBS News reported that multiple law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021. He was also shot in the exchange of gunfire and taken to a local hospital under heavy guard. Investigators said he is believed to have acted alone.
According to the New York Post, Lakanwal entered the country under Operation Allies Welcome and resettled in Bellingham, Washington.
Law enforcement sources said the FBI is initially treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism.
Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant chief with the Metropolitan Police Department, said the attack appeared sudden and deliberate. "It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the Guard," Carroll said, describing how the shooter opened fire before officers and Guard personnel moved in.
The suspect was quickly detained by a combined response from Guard members, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Secret Service and Metro Transit Police, many of whom were already in the area when shots rang out. "At this point, we have no other suspects," Carroll said.
Federal agencies are assisting with the identity verification process, while investigators comb through surveillance footage, interview witnesses and track the suspect’s background.
ICYMI
A Park Police helicopter landed beside the Washington Monument to evacuate a wounded Guardsman after a targeted shooting near the White House.
Two West Virginia Guardsmen were hit when a gunman rounded a corner and opened fire. Troops returned fire and pic.twitter.com/raZXI6ConQ— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 26, 2025
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said in a post on X that both victims were members of his state's Guard and had died from their injuries. But he soon posted a second statement that cited "conflicting reports" about their condition.
The two Guardsmen remain in critical condition at a DC hospital as doctors work to stabilize them. Officials have not released their names, saying families will be notified before further details are made public.
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Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Nov 27, 2025
