WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal and local authorities have identified an Afghan national, **Rahmanullah Lakanwal**, as the suspected gunman in the brazen ambush attack that critically wounded two National Guard members just blocks from the White House on Wednesday.
The attack, which occurred near a mass transit station in downtown D.C., has sparked national concern regarding immigration policies and domestic security. Lakanwal was subdued at the scene by another Guard member and is currently hospitalized and in custody.
👤 Suspect Profile and Immigration Status
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, entered the United States four years ago. Key details:
- **Identity:** Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national.
- **Entry to U.S.:** Entered in **September 2021**.
- **Immigration Status:** He was **paroled** into the U.S. under the Biden-era program **Operation Allies Welcome (OAW)**, as confirmed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
- **Cooperation:** The suspect is currently **not cooperating** with authorities.
🔫 Details of the Ambush Attack
D.C. Metropolitan Police described the incident as an ambush by a “lone gunman.”
- **Victims:** Two female National Guard members from the **West Virginia National Guard** were critically wounded.
- **Attack Sequence:** The suspect allegedly opened fire immediately, striking the first victim. According to sources, the suspect then took the victim’s weapon and used it to strike the second Guard member. A third Guard member returned fire, ending the attack.
- **Motive:** Authorities have called it a **”targeted shooting,”** but investigators have **not yet determined a motive**. The FBI is reportedly treating the incident as a **possible act of terrorism**.
🏛️ Political Reaction and Deployment Context
The incident immediately ignited political debate over U.S. immigration policy and the deployment of the National Guard in the capital.
The wounded Guard members were on **”high visibility patrols,”** part of a monthslong deployment ordered by President Trump.
