Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House
Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured after being shot while on patrol near the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:15 pm ET, prompting an immediate lockdown of the surrounding area as emergency teams responded.
Suspect Identified And Arrested
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under an Afghan evacuee resettlement programme. Officials said the attack appears to have been carried out by a lone individual. He was subdued at the scene and taken into custody without further confrontation.
Security Response And National Reaction
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time, condemned the shooting as an “act of terror” and ordered additional National Guard units to be deployed across Washington, D.C. Both injured soldiers were rushed to hospital and remain in critical condition. The immediate area around the shooting site was cordoned off as investigators collected evidence.
Broader Impact On Immigration And Security Policies
The attack has reignited national debate over refugee vetting and resettlement safeguards. Homeland Security officials said the incident will lead to a reassessment of existing screening procedures for evacuees and asylum seekers. Lawmakers from both parties have called for detailed briefings on how the suspect entered and lived in the U.S.
