The shooting occurred near a metro station roughly two blocks northwest of the White House, in a busy area where soldiers often stage. Fellow troops and police quickly subdued the suspect after an exchange of gunfire and first responders rushed the injured guardsmen to hospital. Officials said there were no other suspects at this time.
Suspect, Background and Motive
Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under evacuation programmes. Law enforcement said his motive remains under investigation and the FBI is probing the incident as part of a broader inquiry.
Political & Administrative Fallouti
President Donald Trump called the attack “an act of terror” and said lax migration policies posed a major national security risk, pledging to re-examine Afghan admissions. The administration ordered a higher National Guard presence in Washington in response to the shooting.
USCIS Suspends Afghan Immigration Processing
In a direct policy reaction, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would stop processing immigration requests related to Afghan nationals pending a security review. The move affects pending and future requests and has sparked immediate debate over security measures versus humanitarian commitments.
Local Officials and Public Reaction
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack as “targeted” and stressed that the city would work with federal partners to keep residents safe. Governors and elected officials across the U.S. urged calm while demanding full transparency from investigators as details emerge.
What We Know – Quick Facts
- Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot and are in critical condition.
- Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, Afghan national, detained and hospitalized after being shot.
- FBI and local police are investigating; no confirmed motive yet.
- USCIS has suspended processing of immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending review.
International and Indian Angle
The attack has reverberated globally; commentators warned against hasty generalisations that could stigmatize entire communities. For Indian readers, the incident spotlights the interplay between domestic security policy and migration rules in democracies. For official U.S. statements and live updates see major outlets; for an Indian perspective follow national outlets covering U.S. developments.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue to review surveillance footage, witness statements and the suspect’s background. The FBI has taken the lead on motive and potential ties while local law enforcement handles tactical evidence collection. Authorities cautioned against speculation as forensic work proceeds.