Two National Guard members shot near White House

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch and Morgan Sweeney
The Center Square

Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot Wednesday afternoon near the White House, the state’s governor confirmed.

Gov. Pat Morrisey at first said each had died, then later said there was conflicting information. When transported to the hospital, each was critical. At time of publication, the condition of the guard members was unclear.

Morrisey wrote in part on social media, “We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues.”

A suspect was hospitalized and taken into custody, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed. Injuries to the suspect are not believed to be life-threatening.

The suspected gunman has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021 under former President Joe Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Lakanwal had a “relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces.”

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the shooting adjacent to Farragut Square was a targeted action.

Amelia Smith, an office manager working about a block away, heard the gunshots and saw the rush of lawmen to the scene.

“I saw many folks in black, so Secret Service folks attending to someone laying on the sidewalk,” she told The Center Square.

She said the area was secured quickly. The National Guard, she said, has provided a significant increase to safety and peace of mind.

Second-term Republican President Donald Trump, on holiday playing golf Wednesday in West Palm Beach, Fla., in a social media post praised the National Guard, military and law enforcement. He called the suspect an “animal” and said “a very steep price” would be paid.

The shooting took place near the intersection of 17th and I streets in Northwest Washington, D.C., a couple blocks from the White House.

The Center Square was unsuccessful getting comment from Homeland Security and Metropolitan Police Department.

Homeland Security Kristi Noem, on social media, urged Americans to join her in praying for the victims. She her agency was working with local lawmen to gather information.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the White House was “aware and is actively monitoring this tragic situation.” The Metropolitan Police Department has posted updates to social media and officials will “have an update for the community shortly.”

In part, Trump wrote on social media, “God bless our great National Guard, and all of our military and law enforcement. These are truly great people.”