An individual of Afghan origin has been identified as the alleged assailant following the fatal shooting of two US National Guard members close to the White House, as per various sources. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, is the prime suspect in the incident.

Reports from the NY Post suggest that Lakanwal was purportedly waiting in ambush near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 pm before carrying out the attack, injuring a female guard. The two guards, who were on duty at the time of the targeted assault, were both critically injured and hospitalized, according to FBI director Kash Patel.

The suspect was allegedly shot multiple times while being transported in an ambulance, nearly unclothed. Authorities are working to verify his background thoroughly. Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, stated that investigators have not determined a motive yet, noting that the perpetrator immediately began shooting upon encountering the troops.

Washington DC Mayor Ms. Bowser described the incident as a deliberate shooting. Conflicting reports initially surfaced regarding the condition of the troops, with West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey later clarifying that the troops were alive. A suspect in custody also sustained non-life-threatening injuries from being shot, as per a law enforcement source.

Following the shooting, the Trump administration swiftly deployed an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that President Donald Trump requested the reinforcement. The shooting occurred in close proximity to the White House, with nearby troops subduing the gunman after he was shot.

Authorities believe the incident involved a lone gunman who ambushed the National Guard members. No other suspects have been identified at this point. President Trump, who was in Florida during the Thanksgiving holiday, condemned the act on social media, promising severe consequences for the perpetrator. He expressed support for the National Guard, military, and law enforcement personnel involved.

It was noted that at least one of the Guard members engaged in a gunfight with the assailant. The article also mentioned details about the involvement of law enforcement personnel and Trump’s statements regarding the incident.