National Guard Members Wounded in D.C. Shooting; Suspect Identified
Washington, D.C. – A shooting in downtown Washington, D.C. Wednesday afternoon left two members of the West Virginia National Guard critically wounded. The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021.
Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on the uniformed Guardsmen near the Farragut West Metro station, a short distance from the White House. The incident occurred shortly after 2:15 p.m. ET. Reports indicate that the suspect approached the soldiers and fired at close range.
A third Guardsman, who was unarmed, bravely intervened, tackling the suspect and reportedly using a pocket knife to subdue him. This action prevented further violence until Metropolitan Police and Secret Service officers arrived and took Lakanwal into custody.
The wounded Guardsmen, who were deployed to the capital, were quickly transported to a local hospital.
Initial reports incorrectly stated that the Guardsmen had died. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey later corrected the statement, confirming that they were critically wounded and “fighting for their lives.”
Witnesses at the scene reported that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack. While the FBI is involved and is considering the incident as a potential act of terrorism, authorities have stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. They have not yet made a final determination regarding the motive.
Lakanwal is currently under guard at a local hospital. Federal charges are expected to be filed against him once he is medically cleared. Authorities believe Lakanwal acted alone, and there are no known ongoing threats.
The wounded Guardsmen have not been publicly identified pending notification of their families. The unarmed Guardsman who bravely subdued the attacker has been hailed as a hero by colleagues.
The fact that the suspect entered the U.S. as part of the Biden administration’s emergency evacuation and resettlement program following the withdrawal from Afghanistan has raised concerns about the vetting process for individuals entering the country under such programs.
The 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan was followed by Operation Allies Welcome, which brought over 126,000 Afghans to the United States. While some qualified for Special Immigrant Visas due to their work with U.S. forces, many entered on temporary humanitarian parole. Concerns were voiced at the time regarding the speed of the process and the thoroughness of background checks.
This incident highlights the importance of ensuring robust vetting procedures for all individuals entering the United States, particularly during times of crisis. It also underscores the risks our service members face, even on domestic soil, and the courage they display in the face of danger. The quick actions of the unarmed Guardsman in this situation likely prevented further casualties and demonstrate the bravery and dedication of those who serve our nation. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available.
