DC National Guard shooting suspect identified as Afghan national living in the US illegally

WASHINGTON, DC: A shooting near the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, November 26, resulted in critical injuries to members of the West Virginia National Guard.

Authorities report that the suspect in the attack is believed to be an Afghan national.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal identified as suspect

According to three law enforcement sources who spoke with CBS News, the suspect accused of shooting two National Guard troop members is believed to be an Afghan national.

Fox News National Correspondent Brooke Taylor later reported that law enforcement sources had identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

Lakanwal reportedly entered the United States in 2021 during "Operation Allies Welcome" under the Joe Biden administration and overstayed that visa.

The program was created to resettle Afghans who had worked with the US during its involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021.

Brooke also said sources indicated that he did not enter on a traditional visa but instead arrived under humanitarian parole on September 8, 2021, which granted him legal permission to remain in the country.

At the time of the shooting, he was living in Washington State. Authorities said the suspect used a handgun in the attack. 

During the exchange of gunfire, Lakanwal was shot and transported to a local hospital. Law enforcement sources also said he is not cooperating with investigators.

At present, investigators are combing through surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and verifying parts of his identity.

No motive has yet been confirmed, and authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.

Shooting incident and aftermath

The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon near the Farragut Metro Station, mere blocks from the White House, a location that made the attack particularly alarming given the proximity to major federal buildings. 

The victims were on high-visibility patrol as part of the National Guard deployment in the city.

According to reports, the suspect allegedly opened fire suddenly, prompting an immediate response from nearby security personnel. 

National Guard members who were shot remain in critical condition at a DC hospital.

The identity of the soldiers has not been released pending family notification.

Authorities have said that no additional suspects are believed to be involved. The incident has prompted fresh scrutiny over security and the background screening of individuals admitted under evacuation programs.