Afghan asylum seeker identified as suspect in DC National Guard shooting – media
A 29-year-old Afghan national has been identified as the suspect in an ambush-style attack on two National Guard members in Washington, DC, news outlets report, citing law enforcement sources.
The suspect is reportedly Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the US in 2021.
Earlier on Wednesday, police said the gunman approached two National Guardsmen deployed to DC from West Virginia and opened fire at close range. Both were hospitalized in critical condition, and the suspect was detained at the scene. Police said they have not yet established a motive.
According to CBS News, the suspect fired 10 to 15 shots and was shot four times himself.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the incident would be treated as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer. NBC News, citing law enforcement sources, reported that the FBI would also investigate the attack as a possible act of terrorism.
Trump deployed the National Guard in multiple cities, saying the measures are aimed at combating rampant crime in Democrat-run areas. Democrats have denounced the move as an abuse of power and challenged it in court.
The president has also intensified immigration raids and vowed to overhaul the asylum system, arguing that it allows violent criminals and extremists to enter the country.
