Two National Guardsmen were in critical condition after being shot near the White House.
President Trump condemned the shooting as an act of evil and terror, stating it was a crime against the entire nation. He also pointed to the suspect's entry into the U.S. from Afghanistan and criticized the previous Biden administration's policies.
Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He had applied for and was granted asylum in the U.S. In response, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services halted the processing of immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals pending further security review.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism, exploring connections to international terrorist organizations.
Two National Guard members were shot near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C. The suspect allegedly ambushed the members, after which other Guard members responded, subduing the shooter, who was also wounded.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members appeared to be targeted. Maj. Gen. Tim Seward credited the Guardsmen for neutralizing the assailant. Vice President JD Vance expressed gratitude to all the soldiers.
The National Guard was deployed to D.C. as part of President Trump’s federal intervention to address crime. The President commented on the safety of D.C. just days prior to the shooting.