"This is a terrorist attack; the attacker will pay a heavy price," Trump lashed out at the shooting near the White House.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Gunfire erupted just blocks away from the residence of Donald Trump, the president of the world's most powerful nation. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

At least three people, including two National Guardsmen, were injured in the street shooting near the White House. The US President has described the incident as a terrorist attack.

Trump called the shooting a terrorist attack.

US President Donald Trump said the shooting of National Guard members near the White House was an "act of terrorism." Following the exchange of gunfire with the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, the US president ordered 500 more National Guard members into the city. 

US President Donald Trump said that every alien who entered the US from Afghanistan under former President Joe Biden will be re-screened. Regarding the shooting incident involving Central Guard members, Trump said DHS believes the suspect entered the US from Afghanistan in 2021.

Accused attacker arrested

The Metropolitan Police Department reported the shooting near the White House. A heavy police presence was immediately deployed in the area.

It is reported that National Guard soldiers were on patrol a short distance from the White House when the attacker carried out the attack. Following the shooting, other Guard members surrounded the suspect and arrested him. The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national.

Ban on immigration of Afghan citizens

The US has taken a major step after an Afghan national shot two National Guard soldiers near the White House. Following this incident, the US has halted all immigration requests from Afghan citizens.

Read More: Two National Guardsmen injured in shooting near the White House; Trump orders 500 troops to be sent to Washington.