Two National Guard members shot near White House in targeted attack

Washington: Two West Virginia National Guard members deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in what authorities described as a targeted ambush, leaving both soldiers hospitalised in critical condition.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the severity of their injuries, calling the attack a disturbing escalation at a time when the presence of Guard troops in U.S. cities has become a politically charged issue. “This was a targeted shooting,” Bowser said.

Jeffrey Carroll, executive assistant D.C. police chief, said investigators were reviewing surveillance footage. He noted the gunman “came around the corner” and opened fire on the troops without warning.

Law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, identified the suspected shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, believed to be an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in September 2021 and had been living in Washington state. Authorities are still working to fully verify his background.

A suspect was taken into custody with gunshot wounds that were not considered life-threatening. It remained unclear whether he was shot by one of the Guard members or by another officer. “It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll said, adding investigators had found no evidence of additional suspects.

Initial confusion followed the attack after West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey first announced the troops had died, then walked back his statement, saying his office was receiving “conflicting reports” about their condition.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Social media videos showed first responders performing CPR on one soldier while treating another on a sidewalk littered with broken glass. “It’s such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?” said Stacy Walters, who heard two gunshots from her car. Another witness, Emma McDonald, said she sought shelter in a nearby café before seeing a stretcher carrying a Guard member “whose head was covered in blood.”

The shooting occurred near a metro station two blocks northwest of the White House. Other Guard members in the area rushed toward the sound of gunfire and tackled the suspect after he was shot, officials said. At least one of the troops returned fire.

The Trump administration responded swiftly, ordering 500 additional National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the deployment came at President Donald Trump’s request. Nearly 2,200 Guard troops were already assigned to the city as part of a joint task force.

Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, condemned the attack in a social media post, warning that the “animal” responsible “will pay a very steep price.” He added: “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”

Vice President JD Vance, speaking to troops at Fort Campbell, urged “everybody who’s a person of faith” to pray for the injured soldiers. “I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” he said.

Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, canceled plans to spend Thanksgiving with troops in Guantanamo Bay and traveled instead to Washington. “We are devastated by this senseless act of violence,” he said in a video message.

More than 300 West Virginia Guard members were initially deployed to Washington in August. Around 160 recently volunteered to extend their deployment through the year, while others returned home just over a week ago.

The site of the shooting was quickly locked down with police tape as Secret Service agents, ATF personnel and Guard members secured the perimeter. Helicopters circled overhead, and at least one aircraft landed on the National Mall.