Two Guard members critically injured near the White House; FBI launches counterterrorism investigation
Shah J. Choudhury — Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded on Wednesday afternoon after a gunman opened fire near the Farragut West Metro Station, just blocks from the White House. Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.
According to law enforcement officials, the attack began when Lakanwal approached the Guard members during their routine patrol and opened fire at close range, shooting one soldier in the chest and head before turning his weapon on a second soldier. A third National Guard member immediately engaged the attacker and managed to subdue and detain him after an exchange of gunfire.
Both wounded Guard members were rushed to a local hospital and remain in critical condition. The suspect was also injured but is under armed supervision while receiving treatment.
Investigators report that Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under an Afghan resettlement program. Authorities believe he acted alone, though the motive remains unclear. The FBI has classified the case as a potential terror-related attack and has opened a full counterterrorism investigation.
In response to the shooting, security around central Washington was heightened and additional federal personnel were deployed as a precaution. City officials described the incident as a “targeted ambush,” urging the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.
