Washington Says Afghan Citizen Rahmanullah Lakanwal Suspected in Shooting of Two National Guard Members

U.S. law enforcement officials say Afghan national Rahmanullah Laknawal is the prime suspect in the Washington shooting that wounded two National Guard members near the White House.

According to reports, Lakanwal, 29, arrived in the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration’s resettlement initiative for Afghan evacuees. Reports indicate he overstayed his visa and had remained in the country unlawfully.

U.S. law-enforcement officials say the suspect in the fatal shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, as investigators continue probing the motive behind the attack.

Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station in downtown Washington, D.C., where the gunman allegedly opened fire on the guards stationed in the area. The shooting sent shockwaves through the high-security district just blocks from the White House.

Washington D.C. police confirmed the attacker was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with security forces and was taken into custody before being transferred for medical treatment. Officials say he remains under tight security supervision.

Security sources told American news organizations that the FBI has taken charge of the investigation and is examining the incident as a possible terror-related attack, though officials stress that no final determination has been made.

President Donald Trump reacted sharply, describing the suspect as a “monster” and warning that he would “pay a very heavy price”, remarks that have already stirred political debate over Afghan refugee vetting.

The attack has renewed scrutiny of U.S. security screening processes and raised broader concerns about monitoring individuals admitted under emergency resettlement programs. Analysts say the case is likely to fuel fresh calls in Washington for tighter background checks and immigration enforcement.

As investigations continue, federal officials have urged the public not to jump to conclusions while emphasizing that additional security measures may be introduced around key government sites in the coming days.

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