Police identify suspect in national guard shooting as Afghan man

The suspected gunman in the shooting of two national guard members on Wednesday near the White House has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan man, according to law enforcement officials.

Lakanwal is said to have entered the United States in September 2021, and been living in Washington state, law enforcement officials told the Associated Press and other outlets.

The suspect, who is now in custody, was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. Further details about the suspect have not been released.

The shooting took place on Wednesday afternoon near the Farragut West metro station in the capital city. The two national guardsmen who were shot remain in critical condition. Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, has called the attack “a targeted shooting”.

National guard troops have been positioned across Washington since August, when the Trump administration declared a “crime emergency” and ordered them in to support federal and local law enforcement.

An estimated 2,375 national guard troops are currently activated in Washington. US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump has asked him to add the additional guard members following the shooting.

More details soon …