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News Topical, Digital Desk : A shooting occurred a short distance from the White House, the US presidential residence. At least three people were injured in the incident, including two soldiers. Both soldiers were members of the West Virginia National Guard and were stationed in the country's capital, Washington, DC. One of the suspects in the attack has been identified as an Afghan citizen.
National Guard troops were on patrol a short distance from the White House when the attacker appeared around a corner and ambushed them. Following the shooting, other Guard members surrounded the suspect and arrested him.
The arrested suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was the suspected gunman who shot two members of the West Virginia National Guard stationed in Washington, DC, just blocks from the White House.
Who is Rahmanullah?
According to US media reports, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who "seriously injured two National Guardsmen," is an immigrant from Afghanistan. Lakanwal entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome and was resettled in Bellingham, Washington. People familiar with the investigation said Lakanwal had been living in Washington state after arriving in the US.
The New York Post, citing law enforcement sources, reported that Lakanwal waited near the Farragut West Metro station in northwest DC before reaching a corner around 2:15 a.m. (local time), then opened fire, shooting a female guard in the chest and then shooting him in the head.
Soldiers were on patrol
The deranged gunman reportedly also shot a second guard – until a third guard stationed nearby ran in and grabbed him. The two armed soldiers were patrolling the streets when the suspect opened fire. They were taken to a nearby hospital and remain in critical condition, officials said.
What was the purpose?
FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members were hospitalized and in critical condition. Bowser said the National Guard members were shot at point-blank range. The investigation is ongoing. The motive of the attackers is unclear. NBC reported the FBI is investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism.
A heavy price will have to be paid
US President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving at the time of the attack, has taken action regarding the shooting near the White House. In a statement on social media, he warned that the "animal" who shot the guards would "pay a very heavy price."
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