WASHINGTON – Two soldiers of the US National Guard were critically wounded in a shooting incident near the White House.
US media reports said a suspect opened fire on the officers, leaving them severely injured. Police quickly responded to the scene, and the officers were rushed to the hospital where their condition is said to be critical.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Laknwal, was apprehended by law enforcement officials. Laknwal, who arrived in the US in 2021, is currently in custody.
Following the incident, the White House was temporarily shut down, and the surrounding area was cordoned off. Authorities issued a warning to the public, urging people to avoid the area near I Street.
White House Press Secretary, Caroline Levitt, confirmed that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting.
In response to the attack, the president labeled the shooting as an act of terrorism and ordered further vetting of foreign nationals entering the US from Afghanistan, particularly those who arrived during the Biden administration.
In a social media post, President Trump condemned the suspect as an “animal” and warned that the person responsible for the attack would face severe consequences.
The two injured officers were from West Virginia, and the state’s governor confirmed that federal authorities were working together to investigate the incident.
In light of the shooting, President Trump ordered the deployment of an additional 500 law enforcement officers in Washington, DC, to strengthen security in the capital.
Defense Secretary Mark Hegseth said that the attack on National Guard personnel would not be tolerated, and the increased deployment of officers was aimed at bolstering security and responding to any potential threats.
