In a shocking incident in the heart of the nation’s capital, two National Guard members were shot in broad daylight by an Afghan national, leaving the public with numerous unanswered questions.
The injured Guard members, part of the West Virginia National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., are currently in critical condition, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. Despite the influx of Guard members in the city as part of a crime-fighting initiative led by President Trump, specifics regarding the wounded troops remain undisclosed.
The assailant’s attack was described as targeted, with eyewitnesses recounting the gunman firing at the troops without warning. Following the swift response from law enforcement and fellow Guard members, the suspect was apprehended without further incident. However, crucial details such as the motive behind the attack and the identities of the injured troops are yet to be revealed.
The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, traveled to the U.S. in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program aiding Afghan refugees post the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. While residing in Washington state with his family, Lakanwal’s sudden violent actions have raised concerns about his background and intentions.
In response to the shooting, former President Trump announced plans to send an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., intensifying security measures in the city. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in safeguarding the capital and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.