Two National Guards shot at, critically injured, by Afghan gunman near White House
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The assailant entered the US in September 2021 as part of "Operation Allies Welcome," a Federal program implemented following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. |
WASHINGTON DC, Nov 27: In a shocking incident, two National Guards were shot
at and critically injured by an Afghan national near the White House on Wednesday
afternoon (local toime).
The incident took place at the Farragut West metro station,
near the intersection
of 17th and I Streets NW, two blocks from the White House, in mid-afternoon,
a time when the streets are busy and full.
The assailant, who also suffered gun shot injuries in quick police action,
was taken into custody by other guards.
Law enforcement officials have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal,
a 29-year-old Afghan national. Sources indicate
that Lakanwal entered the US
in September 2021 as part of "Operation Allies Welcome," a Federal program implemented
following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Both wounded soldiers were rushed to local hospitals and remain in critical
condition, according to statements from FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington
Mayor Muriel Bowser. The two National Guards were from West Virginia.
White House locked down
The shooting led to a temporary lockdown of the White House and nearby Federal
buildings.
The two soldiers were on "high-visibility patrol" when the attack occurred.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll reported that video evidence
suggests a "lone gunman" came around a corner and immediately began firing at
the troops. An exchange of fire followed, and other nearby Guard members, hearing
the shots, rushed to the scene to subdue and detain the assailant after he was
also shot.
An eyewitness told reporters several loud pops were heard and people were seen
running helter skelter. The scene was chaotic. “We heard gunshots. We were waiting
at the traffic light and there were several shots,” the eyewitness said.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth soon announced that 500 more troops would be
deployed to Washington. There are 2,000 of them already deployed in the Capital.
However, a Federal judge had ruled last week that Trump’s deployment of thousands
of National Guard troops in the US Capital is unlawful.
President Donald Trump and other officials called for a renewed scrutiny of
immigrants who entered the country under the program. Trump, who called the
shooter an "animal," has vowed that the assailant "will pay a very steep price."
In an address Wednesday night, Trump called the shooting "an act of evil, an
act of hatred and and an act of terror," adding, "It was a crime against our
entire nation."
The incident has fuelled the political debate surrounding the use of military
personnel for domestic anti-crime operations.
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