Two National Guard Soldiers Shot Near White House in Washington

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot on Wednesday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C. The incident happened just a short walk from the White House area.

 

 

According to police and officials, the two soldiers were standing on duty when a man suddenly came around the corner, pulled out a gun, and opened fire on them. Other National Guard members nearby quickly caught the attacker and handed him over to the police.

 

 

Both injured soldiers were taken to the hospital. They were said to be in serious condition at first. Officials are still checking their latest health status.

 

The suspect has been identified as a 29 year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national . Investigators are now trying to find out why he carried out the attack and whether he acted alone.

 

 

According to Department of Homeland Security, Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program to resettle thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the Afghanistan war and feared reprisals from Taliban forces who seized control of their homeland after the U.S. withdrawal, Reuters reported.

 

 

President Trump, released a prerecorded video statement late on Wednesday calling the shooting "an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror." He said his administration would "re-examine" all Afghans who came to the U.S. during Joe Biden's presidency.

 

 

After the shooting, the government decided to send 500 more National Guard troops to Washington to tighten security in the city. Police, FBI, and other agencies are jointly investigating the case.

 

 

The incident has raised big concerns because it happened so close to the White House, one of the most secure areas in the United States. Many leaders have called the attack “targeted” and “deeply worrying.”

The investigation is still going on.