Following an armed attack near the White House on Wednesday, an extensive federal investigation is underway, and law enforcement sources indicate that there are many questions about the motive of the suspect who shot two National Guardsmen serving in the area.
Shooting Near White House Leaves Two Guardsmen Wounded
According to reports from law enforcement agencies, at approximately 2:15 PM today, two people, a male and a female from West Virginia, were shot by another person who appeared as they were exiting the Washington D.C. area. The victims were transported to two separate hospitals in critical condition. Law enforcement officials identified the assailant as a nearby member of an armed conflict unit and detained him after he was restrained by other members of the unit. Following the initial lockdown of the White House, it was reopened a short time later by the Secret Service.
Police responded to reports of gunfire around 2:15 p.m., securing the area and transporting the victims to nearby hospitals.
The shooting triggered an emergency deployment of law enforcement officers from various agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, United States Marshals, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and federal agencies, while investigations into the circumstances of this incident continued.
FBI Examining Terrorism Connection
According to law enforcement agencies, the FBI is treating this incident as possibly involving international terrorism. In addition, they are investigating whether this shooting was motivated or influenced by overseas extremist influences as well. Authorities have stated that no determination of motive has yet been made; however, the suspect appears to have specifically targeted uniformed personnel.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, age 29. Mr. Lakanwal entered the country in 2024 and received approval for his asylum application in April 2025. It is anticipated that additional information will be released by officials on Mr. Lakanwal’s background, including any potential affiliations he may have had with extremist groups.
President Trump Condemns Attack
In a national address Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump referred to the shooting as “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror.” He stated that the event was a crime against service members representing the United States.
President Trump described the shooting as “an act of evil and terror” during his national address.
Trump said DHS informed him that the suspect entered the country from Afghanistan in 2021, and he argued for a review of Afghan nationals admitted under the previous administration. He wrote on his social platform that the attacker “will pay a very steep price,” adding praise for Guard members and responding officers.
National Guard Presence in Washington
At the time of the shooting, 2,188 Guard personnel were assigned to the capital. Their deployment followed the federal security takeover of Washington under the Trump administration earlier this year. The Guard has maintained a visible presence around federal buildings, transit routes, and municipal zones.
During the annual turkey pardoning at the White House on Tuesday, the President credited Guard troops for what he described as restored safety across the district. He stated that Washington had become safe for public movement, commending security forces for their role on the ground.
Federal Officials Address Public After Attack
Vice President JD Vance, speaking at Fort Campbell during a Thanksgiving event, told service members that the nation is still gathering information regarding motive and context. He referred to the event as a reminder of risks faced by those serving in uniform, adding appreciation for military members stationed nationwide.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth released a video message calling the attack a “cowardly, dastardly act.” He stated that President Trump ordered an additional 500 Guard personnel to Washington following the incident. Hegseth said federal security forces would remain engaged in maintaining stability in the city.
Investigators Continue to Assess the Scene
Authorities confirmed that the wounded suspect is receiving treatment under law enforcement supervision. The timeline of gunfire remains under review, and investigators have not disclosed who fired the shots that injured the suspect. MPD official Jeffery Carroll stated that armed Guardsmen responded immediately after hearing the initial rounds.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the suspect appeared to deliberately target military personnel. Officials did not report threats to additional locations, though agencies continued to scan the area throughout the evening.
Also Read: Woman Killed and Man Critical After Early Morning Shark Attack
Senior Military Leaders Travel to D.C
Gen. Steven Nordhaus, head of the National Guard Bureau, confirmed he and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines were traveling to the capital to meet with personnel. Nordhaus called the shooting a devastating attack on those serving the country and extended support to the families of the wounded.
National Guard leadership traveled to Washington following the attack to meet deployed personnel.
Federal officials are scheduled to release further updates, including investigative findings and status reports on the injured Guardsmen. Authorities are urging patience as agencies compile evidence and prepare public statements.
The investigation continues as the nation awaits more details on the shooting that left two uniformed service members fighting for recovery in Washington, D.C.
