National Guard Members Critically Injured in Targeted Ambush Near White House

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are in critical condition after being shot in what authorities describe as a “targeted ambush” just blocks from the White House. The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly drove from San Diego to Washington to carry out the attack. He was wounded during an exchange of gunfire and is now hospitalized under custody.

Officials say Lakanwal is an Afghan immigrant who overstayed his visa after arriving during the 2021 Afghan evacuation. In a late-night address from Florida, President Trump condemned the attack as “an act of evil” and authorized the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington to bolster security.

Federal investigators, including the FBI, are examining the motive. No additional suspects have been identified.