Authorities have identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan citizen, as the individual responsible for a shooting near the White House that left two West Virginia National Guard soldiers critically wounded. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, has been labeled an “act of terror” by President Donald Trump. The soldiers were on duty in Washington, D.C., when they were targeted in the attack, which occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House, adjacent to a Metro station.
Surveillance video indicates the suspect emerged unexpectedly and opened fire on the guards. Lakanwal, 29, was subdued and taken into custody by fellow service members after being shot during the altercation. Sources indicate his injuries are not considered life-threatening. The investigation into the motive for the shooting is ongoing.
Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a U.S. government initiative aimed at evacuating and resettling Afghan nationals who assisted American forces. The program has resettled a significant number of Afghans, many of whom had worked as crucial intermediaries. A relative familiar with Lakanwal stated he had a ten-year military career in Afghanistan, including prior collaboration with U.S. Special Forces at a Kandahar base, before his relocation to the United States in September 2021.
The shooting has reignited political tensions regarding the screening processes for Afghan evacuees. President Trump criticized the administration’s resettlement flights from Afghanistan. While the Operation Allies Welcome program has encountered criticism regarding its vetting protocols, proponents emphasize its role in providing refuge to individuals endangered by the Taliban. Investigators are continuing to gather information on Lakanwal’s history, including his previous residency in Washington state, to better understand the reasons behind the attack.