Two National Guard members from West Virginia remain in critical condition after a shocking daylight shooting near the White House. Federal investigators say the attack is being treated as a potential act of international terrorism as new details emerge about the suspect, his background, and the moments leading up to the ambush.
National Guard Members Ambushed Near White House
Authorities say the shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro Station, just blocks from the White House. According to police officials, a lone gunman rounded a corner, raised his firearm, and opened fire on two uniformed Guard members in what appears to have been a targeted attack.
Other National Guard personnel nearby immediately responded and subdued the suspect, who was also critically injured during the incident. Both victims — one woman and one man — were rushed to local hospitals.
Suspect Identified; Federal Agencies Investigating Terror Links
Multiple law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. He later applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted asylum in April 2025.
According to several federal sources, the FBI is now investigating the shooting as a possible act of international terrorism, examining whether the attack was inspired by a foreign terrorist organization or acted upon independently.
Officials from the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and Department of Homeland Security all responded to the scene and are coordinating the investigation.
Trump, Vance, and Federal Officials Condemn Attack
President Donald Trump called the shooting “an act of evil, hatred, and terror”, saying it represented a crime against the entire nation. He pledged strong action and ordered an immediate review of individuals who entered the U.S. from Afghanistan in recent years.
Trump also confirmed that the White House was temporarily placed on lockdown following the attack.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking from Fort Campbell, called the shooting a sobering reminder of the risks faced by military personnel serving across the country.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the act a “cowardly attack on America’s best” and announced that an additional 500 National Guard troops would be deployed to Washington, D.C.
Security in Washington Heightened
The National Guard has been heavily deployed in the nation’s capital as part of recent federal security operations. More than 2,100 Guard members are currently assigned to Washington, D.C., with additional forces expected following the attack.
City officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, said early evidence suggests the shooter intentionally targeted the Guard members, though a clear motive has not yet been determined.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are expected to release more details about the suspect and potential terrorism connections in the coming days. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office are continuing interviews, evidence collection, and digital forensics to learn whether the gunman acted alone or had outside influence.
The shooting has prompted renewed national security discussions and raised concerns about targeted attacks on military personnel in public areas.
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