Two National Guard soldiers critically wounded near White House in targeted attack

Two National Guard soldiers were critically injured on Wednesday afternoon after being shot just blocks from the White House in what city officials called a “targeted attack”.

The incident took place around 2:15pm near Farragut Square Metro Station, a busy area popular with office workers. The soldiers, both from West Virginia, were on a high-visibility patrol when a lone gunman opened fire, Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said. Other National Guard members nearby quickly intervened, subduing the suspect until law enforcement arrived.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal identified as suspect

The alleged shooter has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era programme offering parole to Afghan nationals following the US military withdrawal. His current immigration status is unclear.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that Lakanwal was paroled into the country, while President Donald Trump described him as “a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on Earth” in a video message, criticising the Biden administration for granting him entry and extending his status.

The suspect was shot by another National Guard member during the confrontation and is currently hospitalised. Authorities have said he is not cooperating with investigators, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

FBI Director Kash Patel called the ambush a “horrendous act of violence,” adding that the soldiers were targeted in a brazen attack. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, with people running in panic and taking cover in nearby shops. Shattered glass from a bus stop littered the street as police and National Guard troops secured the scene.

The attack prompted a brief halt at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, affecting flights just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Washington currently has about 2,200 National Guard troops deployed, including units from West Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana and other states. The force was sent to bolster public safety, though they have limited law enforcement powers.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported that both soldiers had died but later clarified that their condition was still being verified. Vice-President JD Vance urged citizens to pray for the victims. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the president authorised sending an additional 500 National Guard members to strengthen security in the capital.

The shooting has reignited debate over security in US cities and the role of the National Guard, with President Trump highlighting their presence as a key factor in reducing violent crime in Washington and other major cities.