An Afghan national, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is suspected of having critically injured two US National Guardsmen in a targeted attack near the White House on Wednesday. According to reports, the accused, who entered America in 2021, allegedly opened fire at the soldiers using a handgun during a patrol. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into the incident as a possible act of terrorism.
Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?
Officials have identified a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, in the Washington, DC, shooting incident that fatally wounded the National Guard members just a few blocks from the White House, CBS News reported. Authorities are still verifying all his details and the motive behind the attack, which remains unknown.
Images circulating online showed the suspect appearing to be taken away in handcuffs after being shot. “This is the man who opened fire on the National Guard just one day before Thanksgiving. He was taken away in handcuffs after being shot, stripped, and loaded onto a stretcher before being placed in an ambulance,” an X user wrote, sharing the picture.
This is the man who opened fire on the National Guard just one day before Thanksgiving.
---Advertisement---He was taken away in handcuffs after being shot, stripped, and loaded onto a stretcher before being placed in an ambulance.
Both National Guard members shot near the White House are now in… pic.twitter.com/31v8IySnwP
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) November 26, 2025
Gunman opens fire with a handgun
The shooting that took place on Wednesday afternoon occurred when US National Guard members patrolled near 17th Street and I Street NW. According to the Police, the gunman fired directly at the two soldiers using a handgun. Meanwhile, other Guard members present nearby immediately responded.
Shortly after the incident, the White House and nearby federal buildings were briefly placed under lockdown. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the suspect was also severely injured. He later ordered 500 additional National Guard troops to the city.
Trump confirms suspect ‘severely injured’
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, 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. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!” Trump said.
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These… pic.twitter.com/CyZJDqtdoR
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 26, 2025
ALSO READ: 2 US Guardsmen injured in shooting near White House, Trump says ‘The animal will pay steep price’
