Shooting Incident Near White House Leaves Two Soldiers Critically Injured

Two National Guard soldiers were critically injured in a shooting incident on Wednesday afternoon near the White House in Washington, D.C. The event unfolded close to the intersection of 17th Street Northwest and I Street Northwest, which is situated just a few blocks from the iconic presidential residence.

The shooting occurred around 2:15 PM local time, causing immediate alarm among passersby and prompting a swift response from law enforcement agencies. Reports indicate that the assailant, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021, was swiftly apprehended at the scene.

Witnesses described a chaotic atmosphere as the gunfire erupted. According to Jeffrey Carroll, the executive assistant chief of D.C. police, the shooter ambushed the National Guard members who were stationed at the location. "It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard," Carroll stated during a press conference.

Following the incident, the White House and several nearby buildings, including the Treasury Department, were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. The lockdown was initiated to ensure the safety of individuals in the vicinity while authorities conducted a thorough investigation.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who was not in D.C. at the time of the incident, expressed his concern via social media. He stated, "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." His remarks highlighted the administration's commitment to ensuring safety and justice following such acts of violence.

Both soldiers, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were reported to be in critical condition and receiving medical care at separate hospitals. Kash Patel, the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed their status during a briefing with the media. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser also addressed the situation, labelling the shooting a targeted attack.

In a show of solidarity, U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. He emphasised that the government would not tolerate violence against its military personnel. "If criminals want to conduct things like this — violence against America's best — we will NEVER back down," he remarked.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive behind the attack, with police and federal agencies collaborating closely to gather information. So far, no other suspects have been identified, and the focus remains on understanding the circumstances leading to the shooting.

As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on alert, reflecting the ongoing concerns surrounding safety and security in the nation’s capital. The incident has sparked discussions about the protection of military personnel and the broader implications of gun violence in the United States.