A gunman, identified as an Afghan national, carried out a violent shooting near the White House, injuring two West Virginia National Guard members. The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism. The wounded guard members, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, are in critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome, a program for Afghan evacuees, was also injured but is in custody.
This rare attack on National Guard members has sparked debates over military presence in cities, with the Trump administration deploying 500 additional troops to Washington. President Trump called for a reevaluation of Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration. Authorities are still investigating the suspect’s background and motive for the shooting.
The shooting, which occurred just blocks from the White House, left witnesses in shock as first responders rushed to aid the injured guard members. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers for the nation’s security.
Keyphrase: National Guard shooting