National Guard shooting ‘act of evil,’ Trump says; suspect ID’d as Afghan national

The United States was shocked on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire on two National Guard members near the White House in what officials are calling a targeted shooting. The incident left both Guard members in critical condition and prompted President Donald Trump to address the nation, calling the shooting an act of evil, hatred, and terror.

According to Trump, the suspect entered the U.S. from Afghanistan in September 2021, raising concerns about the vetting process under the Biden administration. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted asylum in April 2025 during the Trump administration.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism, with authorities looking into whether the suspect may have been inspired by an international terrorist organization. The suspect was quickly subdued by other National Guard members who responded to the incident, and both he and the injured Guard members were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that the suspect appeared to target the Guard members. Law enforcement officials and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. are expected to provide more information about the suspect in the coming days.

The shooting unfolded around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C., when the suspect ambushed the Guard members, raising concerns about security in the nation’s capital. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Marshals, ATF, and the FBI, responded to the scene.

The incident prompted a brief lockdown at the White House, which was later lifted. Vice President JD Vance addressed the shooting while speaking to troops at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, praising the National Guard for their service and sacrifice. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Trump had requested an additional 500 National Guardsmen to be deployed to D.C. to ensure the safety and security of the area.

Gen. Steven Nordhaus expressed his devastation over the senseless act of violence and announced that he and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines would be traveling to D.C. to be with the troops. The situation is still developing, and updates are expected in the coming days.

Please stay tuned for more information as this story continues to unfold.