Two US National Guard soldiers were shot on Wednesday near the White House in Washington DC. President Trump made a statement, assuring action, while also confirming that the shooter was wounded.Police said the incident happened just a few blocks from the building, close to the intersection of 17th Street Northwest and I Street Northwest, an area that includes the Eisenhower Executive Office Building where many White House staff work.
The White House was put on lockdown after the incident, according to US Today and multiple other US media outlets. Government officials reportedly also ordered lockdowns at the Main Treasury and the Freedman’s Bank Building.Trump issued a statement saying, “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price,” he said.Further praising the military he added, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
A spokesperson for Joint Task Force DC, Andrew Enriquez, said they were assisting federal and local agencies. “We have a response under way right now, we’re just responding to the scene, we’re not going to release details at the moment,” he told the BBC. Later Kash Patel also confirmed the assistance from FBI.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was closely following the situation. “The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation,” she said.Meanwhile, authorities have identified the suspect. Sources told CBS News that the accused is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021.
