White House suspected gunman identified as Afghan National Rahmanullah Lakanwal

An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been identified as the suspected gunman in a shocking attack that left two US National Guard members critically injured near the White House, according to multiple sources. The 29 year old, who arrived in the US in 2021, is believed to have ambushed the guards near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC, according to the NY Post.

The report suggests that Lakanwal was lying in wait before he rounded the corner and opened fire, hitting a female guard in the chest and then in the head, law enforcement sources revealed. Both guards were on duty at the time of the targeted attack and are currently in critical condition in hospital, FBI director Kash Patel confirmed.

As per AP, the suspect was shot four times and was taken away in an ambulance nearly naked. Authorities are still working to fully confirm his background.

Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, stated that investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators.

“This was a targeted shooting,” Ms Bowser said.

West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported the troops had died, but later clarified his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their condition. A suspect who was in custody was also shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement source.

The Trump administration swiftly deployed an additional 500 National Guard personnel to Washington following the shooting. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed President Donald Trump had requested the reinforcements.

The incident took place approximately two blocks north-west of the White House, close to a metro station. Upon hearing shots fired, nearby troops rushed to the scene and restrained the gunman after he had been shot, according to Mr Carroll.

“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard. At this point, we have no other suspects,” Mr Carroll told a news conference.

A separate law enforcement official revealed that at least one Guard member returned fire at the attacker.

Mr Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, issued a stark warning via social media that the “animal” responsible for shooting the Guard members “will pay a very steep price”. “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”