Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House; Suspect Identified as Afghan National

Washington:** Two National Guard personnel were shot near the White House on Tuesday, leaving both officers critically injured, according to U.S. media reports.

Authorities said an unidentified man opened fire on the Guardsmen near I Street, prompting a swift response from police units. The injured officers were immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

Police confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody. U.S. officials identified him as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the United States in 2021.

Following the incident, the White House was temporarily placed on lockdown, while surrounding areas were cordoned off. Police urged the public to avoid the vicinity of I Street as investigations continued.

The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security stated that authorities are working closely with law-enforcement agencies to gather all relevant information.

President Donald Trump denounced the shooting as an act of terrorism. During a public address, he ordered a fresh review of all foreign nationals who entered the U.S. during the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. In a statement on social media, Trump referred to the shooter as a “beast” and warned that the attacker would “pay a heavy price” for targeting National Guard personnel.

The wounded Guardsmen were from West Virginia. The state’s governor confirmed he is in continuous contact with federal officials and that investigations are actively underway.

In a related security response, flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily grounded. After a brief shutdown, normal operations resumed.