US President Donald Trump has strongly condemned the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C., near the White House, calling the "monstrous, ambush-styled attack" an "act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terror." The incident, which occurred on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, has led to a major security and political response.
The Attack and Critical Condition of Guardsmen 🇺🇸
The shooting took place near the Farragut West metro station in a high-security area, where members of the West Virginia National Guard were conducting high-visibility patrols.
Ambush Style: Authorities, including Metropolitan Police, described the attack as a targeted ambush, where the lone gunman came around a corner and immediately opened fire on the two uniformed soldiers.
Victims' Status: The two National Guard members, one male and one female, were critically wounded and transported to a hospital. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported conflicting information but confirmed the guardsmen were in critical condition.
Suspect Apprehended: Other National Guard members and law enforcement quickly responded, exchanging gunfire with the attacker and subduing him. The suspect was also shot and taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries.
Suspect Identified as Afghan National and Political Fallout geopolitical
Law enforcement sources have identified the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly entered the United States in 2021. This detail immediately triggered a strong political response from the President.
Trump’s Condemnation and Vow: Speaking from Florida, President Trump called the perpetrator an "animal" and promised that he would "pay the steepest possible price," vowing to bring him to "swift and certain justice."
Immigration Review Order: Trump used the incident to directly attack the immigration policies of his predecessor, stating the suspect was flown in under the Biden administration. He announced an order to "re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden" and ensure the removal of any alien who "does not belong here."
Security Mobilization: In response to the heightened threat, President Trump directed the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to reinforce security in Washington D.C.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism and an assault on federal officers, while the motive behind the brazen daylight attack remains under investigation.
