Washington National Guard shooting suspect identified as Afghan national as FBI investigates ‘terrorism’

The FBI is reportedly treating the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC as an act of terror, with law enforcement sources telling US media the suspect has been initially identified

A suspect in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC on Wednesday has reportedly been identified, with the FBI said to be treating the incident as ‘a possible act of terrorism’. Senior law enforcement sources said the suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, according to both CBS and NBC.

NBC also reported that senior law enforcement officials said the FBI will initially investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the two members of the National Guard are in critical condition following a “targeted shooting” that happened just blocks from the White House. The officials stated that the suspect, who was also severely injured in the exchange with the guardsmen, allegedly used a handgun to carry out the act.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal came to the US in 2021, it is reported. According to the NY Post, Lakanwal was allegedly lying in wait before he rounded the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2.15pm. He then opened fire, striking a female guard in the chest before shooting her in the head, according to law enforcement sources. The two guards were on duty when the targeted attack took place.

The suspect was reportedly shot four times as he was taken away in an ambulance nearly naked, according to AP. Authorities were still working to fully confirm his background, they said.

The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington after the shooting. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra troops.

Trump stated that the shooting suspect was “severely wounded” and would “pay a very steep price”.

On a Truth Social post, he wrote: “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. 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!”

Following the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel addressed a news conference, stating that the bureau was aiding the investigation.

Emergency medical teams rushed all three victims to hospital, Vito Maggiolo, the public information officer for the DC Fire and Emergency Services, informed The Associated Press.

Police tape sealed off the scene where emergency fire and police vehicles’ lights flickered and helicopter blades whirred overhead. Agents from the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were present, while National Guard troops kept watch nearby.

At least one helicopter touched down on the National Mall.

Hundreds of National Guard members from the district and several states have been patrolling the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump issued an emergency order in the capital in August, federalising the local police force and deploying the guard from eight states and the District of Columbia.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey had said in a post on X on Wednesday afternoon that two National Guard soldiers had tragically died, only to retract his statement due to “conflicting reports” about their condition.

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