National Guard patrol on the National Mall near the US Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo)
Washington D.C. Shooting Today Live Updates: Two West Virginia National Guard members, who were deployed in Washington DC, were shot at on Wednesday near the White House in a brazen act of violence, which the DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has described as a “targeted attack”. The two guard members remain in “critically wounded” situation and FBI is leading the investigation, said FBI Director Kash Patel. BBC reported that the suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is an Afghan national entered US in 2021. President Donald Trump, who was in Florida when the ambush took place, has called the suspect an “animal” who would “pay a very steep price” and praised the National Guard in a social media post.
Troops held down the shooter: The shooting took place roughly two blocks away from the White House near a metro station. Upon hearing the exchange of gunshots, other National Guard troops in the area surrounded the suspect who was shot and taken to hospital, said Executive Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. The wounds of suspect are not believed to be life-threatening. Police confirmed that no other suspect was involved and the troops in the area were able to hold down the gunman.
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Motive behind shooting: A clear motive behind the shooting still remains unknown said US Vice President JD Vance, who was in Kentucky when the shooting took place in Washington DC. Vance added that the incident is a “somber reminder” of the risks service members face during their duty. FBI Director Kash Patel has called the incident “an assault” while the DC Mayor Bowser termed it as “targeted shooting”.
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