Federal authorities identified the gunman responsible for shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon as an Afghan national in the preliminary investigation.
The suspect is believed to be 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, according to multiple news reports based on law enforcement sources. He reportedly entered the United States in 2021 and overstayed his visa. His last address was in Washington state.
At the time, the Biden administration spearheaded Operation Allies Welcome to help resettle Afghans who evacuated their country after the Taliban took control and forced out the U.S. military.
The gunman used a handgun in the attack, which left two National Guard members from West Virginia critically wounded. The shooting unfolded outside the Farragut West Metro station near the White House.
The suspect was wounded as he was apprehended by law enforcement. He is now in custody.
A possible motive for the shooting remains unknown, but Mayor Muriel Bowser called the incident a “targeted shooting” against the National Guard.
The FBI is investigating Wednesday’s shooting as a possible act of terrorism. The bureau is coordinating with local law enforcement for the investigation.
Earlier Wednesday, President Donald Trump described the suspect as an “animal” and vowed he would “pay a very steep price” for the shooting.
TWO NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS CRITICALLY INJURED IN SHOOTING NEAR WHITE HOUSE
Trump asked War Secretary Pete Hegseth to send 500 more troops to Washington, D.C., in response to the pre-Thanksgiving shooting. Hegseth obliged, promising the Trump administration will never back down.
“This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful,” Hegseth said, touting the administration’s efforts to reduce crime since August. “The drop in crime has been historic. The increase in safety and security has been historic.”