An Afghan national has been identified as the suspect in the shooting attack that critically injured two West Virginia National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon. US President Donald Trump swiftly labeled the brazen incident, which occurred just blocks from the White House, an “act of terror.”
The two National Guard members, both from West Virginia, were on a “high-visibility patrol” when the attack took place near a metro station, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House. Both victims were confirmed to be in critical condition following the shooting.
The Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal
The assailant was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.
- The Ambush: Executive Assistant DC Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll stated that video evidence shows Lakanwal “came around the corner” and immediately began firing at the troops.
- Apprehension: Lakanwal was shot by the troops in the exchange of fire and was then subdued and held down by other National Guard members who rushed to the scene. The suspect’s injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
- Background: Law enforcement officials revealed that Lakanwal is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), a program initiated by the Joe Biden administration to evacuate and resettle Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal.
The OAW program brought approximately 76,000 Afghans to the U.S., many of whom had worked with U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators.
Connection to U.S. Military
Details about Lakanwal’s background are still being verified by authorities, but a close relative speaking to NBC stated that the 29-year-old:
- Served in the Afghan Army for 10 years.
- Served alongside U.S. Special Forces troops in Afghanistan.
- Has a wife and five boys and was living in Washington state prior to the incident.
Despite his potential service history, the motive of the shooting remains unknown at this time, and investigators are treating the incident as a “targeted shooting” and possible “act of terrorism.”
Political Fallout and Vetting Debate
President Donald Trump seized on the suspect’s immigration status to criticize the previous administration’s policies. Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said Lakanwal was flown in via the Biden administration’s “infamous flights” from Afghanistan, a country he called “a hellhole on Earth.”
The Biden-era OAW program has been heavily criticized by Trump, congressional Republicans, and government watchdogs over alleged lapses in the vetting process and the speed of admissions. Conversely, proponents of the initiative argue it was a necessary humanitarian measure to protect individuals facing Taliban reprisals. The incident involving Lakanwal has intensified this ongoing political dispute over immigration and national security.