Authorities have identified a suspect in a shooting that critically injured two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., an incident that has stirred grief, anger, and heated political debate.
The attack occurred Wednesday afternoon in Farragut Square, a bustling area near the White House, when a lone gunman approached three Guardsmen and opened fire. Two were struck before the third returned fire, wounding the attacker. The injured soldiers, both from West Virginia, were hospitalized in critical condition.
The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement program for Afghans who aided the U.S. or faced Taliban threats. He was taken into custody after being shot and was treated under guard. Authorities believe he acted alone, and no broader threat has been identified.
The shooting prompted swift political reactions. Former President Trump condemned it as a “heinous assault” and announced tighter reviews for Afghan arrivals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered additional National Guard troops to the capital for the holiday weekend. The attack has reignited debate over national security, immigration policy, and refugee vetting.
While USCIS paused new Afghan immigration requests for review, officials and advocacy groups urged caution against stigmatizing the broader Afghan community, emphasizing that the violence was the act of a single individual.
Public response has been tense and polarized—fear, grief, and concern for security mingle with calls for compassion. Security measures were heightened across Washington, and Guard members face heightened stress on deployments. Families of the injured soldiers await updates as investigations continue.
Experts note that no screening process can fully predict human behavior, but calls for improved procedures persist. The incident highlights the delicate balance between ensuring safety and upholding humanitarian responsibilities.
For now, the city remains on high alert, the soldiers fight for their lives, and the nation watches as authorities probe the suspect’s motives and plan next steps. The tragedy underscores the broader societal challenges of security, compassion, and community resilience in the face of violence.