Two National Guard Members Shot in Ambush Attack Near White House; Suspect Identified

In a brazen daylight attack the day before Thanksgiving, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot just two blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. near Farragut Square Park and a metro station. According to authorities, a lone gunman approached the soldiers and opened fire with a handgun in what has been described as an ambush.

Other National Guard personnel in the vicinity responded to the gunfire, subduing the suspect who was also shot during the altercation. The two wounded guards were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, with one requiring airlift by medevac helicopter. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries.

Lakanwal is an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in September 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome resettlement program. A former member of the Afghan Army who worked alongside U.S. Special Forces, he had been living in Washington state with his wife and children and was reportedly employed by Amazon. A family member expressed shock at the attack, stating they could not believe he was capable of such an act. Investigators have not determined a motive but are treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos, with people running for cover upon hearing a rapid series of gunshots. The area was swiftly secured by a large response from law enforcement, including the Secret Service and ATF agents.

National and local leaders, including President Donald Trump, former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, issued statements condemning the violence and offering prayers for the injured service members. In response to the attack, the Trump administration has ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to the capital, and the FBI has joined the ongoing investigation.