Trendpills
Two members of the West Virginia National Guard have been shot and killed in downtown Washington D.C. following a confrontation near the White House. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, around 9:30 p.m., at the intersection of 14th Street and New York Avenue NW, just blocks from the presidential residence.
Authorities have identified the deceased suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who was granted asylum in the United States in 2023. According to preliminary reports from law enforcement, Lakanwal approached a group of three guardsmen and attempted to seize a service rifle from one of them. During the ensuing struggle, Lakanwal reportedly gained control of the weapon and fired, fatally wounding two soldiers. The third National Guard member on the scene then shot and killed Lakanwal. Details about the suspect and the incident have been confirmed by multiple law enforcement sources.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey confirmed that the two service members killed were part of his state's National Guard. The soldiers were stationed in the capital as part of a broader deployment authorized by a presidential executive order in August to address a declared crime emergency. This mission involves approximately 2,000 troops from several states who are supporting local and federal law enforcement agencies.
The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, with support from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. In a press conference following the shooting, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that the attack appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Officials have not yet determined a motive for the attack.
The shooting has drawn immediate attention from national leaders and has intensified discussions surrounding the ongoing National Guard deployment in the city. The incident marks a tragic moment for the Guard mission, which was intended to provide a visible presence to deter crime and restore order in the District of Columbia. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the sequence of events and Lakanwal's background.
