An individual of Afghan descent has been identified as the alleged perpetrator following the shooting of two US National Guard members close to the White House, as reported by various sources. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, is believed to be the assailant.
Reports from NY Post suggest that Lakanwal was purportedly waiting in ambush near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC at approximately 2:15 pm. He then proceeded to open fire, critically injuring a female guard by shooting her in the chest and head, according to law enforcement sources.
The two guards were on active duty when the targeted assault occurred. Both victims were in critical condition and receiving medical treatment in a hospital, as confirmed by FBI director Kash Patel.
Following the incident, the suspect was allegedly shot four times while being transported in an ambulance nearly unclothed, according to AP. Authorities were still in the process of verifying his background at that time.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, stated that investigators had no information regarding a motive for the attack. He mentioned that the perpetrator initiated gunfire at the troops immediately upon turning the corner, based on video footage reviewed by the investigators.
DC Mayor Bowser described the incident as a deliberate shooting.
Initially, West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey mistakenly reported that the troops had succumbed to their injuries but later clarified that there were conflicting reports about their condition. A suspect in custody also sustained non-life-threatening wounds after being shot, according to a law enforcement source.
In response to the shooting, the Trump administration swiftly deployed an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that President Donald Trump had requested the deployment of the extra troops.
The shooting occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. Upon hearing the gunfire, nearby troops rushed to the scene and subdued the gunman after he had been shot, as stated by Mr. Carroll.
Mr. Carroll emphasized during a press briefing that it seemed to be a lone gunman who ambushed the National Guard members. He confirmed that there were no other suspects under investigation at that time.
Additionally, a law enforcement officer disclosed that at least one of the Guard members engaged in a shootout with the assailant.
While President Trump was in Florida for Thanksgiving, he condemned the incident on social media, promising severe consequences for the individual responsible. He expressed support for the National Guard, military, and law enforcement personnel involved in the unfortunate event.
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