Two members of the National Guard were seriously injured on Wednesday after they were shot in what authorities described as an ambush near the White House. Both soldiers are in critical condition.
Attack Near Farragut Metro Station
The shooting occurred at 2:15 pm in a bustling neighborhood near the Farragut Metro station, which is an easy walk of White House. White House. According to police officials, the perpetrator fired between 10 to 15 rounds prior to being subdued. Police say the gunman confronted the soldiers as they were conducting “high-visibility security patrols.” He was said to have walked to a corner, he lifted his weapon, then opened the gun directly at them.
Video footage from the scene scrutinized by the investigators, appears to reveal a single shooter. Jeff Carroll, Executive Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, stated that the other National Guard personnel and law police officers rushed to confront the suspect, who was taken into custody.
No Additional Suspects
Carroll added that there is no indication of other individuals being involved, but investigators are checking all possible connections related to the suspect.
Security Measures Increased
Following the attack, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard members in Washington DC. The administration’s use of Guard units in cities has already sparked political debate, with critics calling it excessive and politically motivated.
Trump Calls It Terrorism; Says Shooter Was Afghan National
In a statement at inside the White House, former President Donald Trump called the incident an act of terror. The president claimed that the person who was shot was an Afghan national who arrived in into the United States in 2021.
While Trump did not disclose the identity of the suspect, The New York Times said that the suspect is 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He was reported to have arrived in the US via “Operation Allies Welcome” an initiative designed to aid Afghans seeking refuge from the Taliban invasion.
According to reports, the suspect was struck with four gunshots, and is in hospital under police custody.
