The man apprehended after shooting two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. The incident, which happened on Wednesday, was swiftly termed an “act of terror” by President Donald Trump. The two Guard members were struck by gunfire in Washington, D.C., in an area two blocks northwest of the White House, near a Metro transit stop. The motive behind the violent act is currently unclear.
An Executive Assistant D.C. Police Chief described how video evidence showed the assailant appearing suddenly and immediately firing at the troops. The 29-year-old suspect was subsequently shot and subdued by other Guard members at the scene. Initial reports suggest Lakanwal’s gunshot wounds are not life-threatening.
Lakanwal’s entry into the U.S. occurred in 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome, an initiative launched to assist Afghan allies following the U.S. military withdrawal. This program facilitated the resettlement of approximately 76,000 Afghans, many of whom served as interpreters and cultural advisors. A relative indicated that Lakanwal had spent ten years in the Afghan military, including service with U.S. Special Forces in Kandahar, prior to arriving in the U.S. in September 2021.
This attack has led to renewed political criticism, particularly from Republicans, concerning the vetting of Afghan arrivals. President Trump made pointed remarks about the suspect’s arrival through administration-facilitated flights. While Operation Allies Welcome has faced past questions about its security measures, its supporters highlight its critical humanitarian function for those at risk. Investigators are still working to compile a comprehensive profile of Lakanwal, including his time living in Washington state, to determine the basis for the assault.