In brief
Two National Guard members were critically injured in a daytime shooting in Washington, D.C., perpetrated by a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. during the 2021 evacuation. The motive remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A dramatic daytime shooting incident involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., has led to serious concerns about the men's condition and the motivations behind the attack. Authorities have revealed that the shooter is a 29-year-old Afghan national, raising questions about security and his background.
The injured troops from the West Virginia National Guard are currently hospitalized in critical condition. Initially, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey mistakenly reported their deaths, only to retract following conflicting information.
Details of the Incident
Described by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser as a targeted shooting, the event unfolded quickly when the suspect allegedly approached the Guard members and began firing with a revolver. Eyewitnesses suggested that at least one Guard member returned fire, though it remains unclear who shot whom during the altercation.
The Suspect's Journey to the U.S.
The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had reportedly entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, a program established to provide refuge for Afghans following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Settling in Washington State with his wife and children, Lakanwal's journey from the West Coast to D.C., which is approximately 2,500 miles away, remains a mystery.
Implications for National Security
President Trump has announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital in response to the attack. Meanwhile, discussions regarding the ongoing presence of the National Guard in D.C. continue, amid a federal judge's recent ruling related to their deployment.
As the investigation evolves, the community watches closely, hoping for clarity regarding both the motivations behind the shooting and the well-being of the injured Guardsmen.
