Afghan National Arrested for Shooting National Guard Near White House

URGENT UPDATE: An Afghan national has been arrested following a shocking shooting incident that left two members of the West Virginia National Guard in critical condition just blocks from the White House on November 22, 2023. The attack occurred in the heart of the nation’s capital, raising immediate concerns about the safety of military personnel amid heightened tensions around troop presence.

According to FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, both guard members underwent surgery after being shot during an ambush-style assault. Initial reports from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey mistakenly indicated that the soldiers had died, but he later clarified that conflicting reports about their condition were the cause of the confusion.

Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed during a Fox News appearance that charges against the suspect will depend on the prognosis of the wounded guard members, stating, “We will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster.” This alarming incident is particularly significant as it marks one of the rare instances of National Guard members being targeted on American soil.

The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was taken into custody after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program aimed at resettling Afghans who assisted U.S. forces. This initiative has faced scrutiny over vetting processes and the speed of admissions, especially from critics of the Biden administration.

Lakanwal previously worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The exact nature of his work remains undisclosed, but it is known that he was part of a partner force assisting U.S. military operations. His background is currently under investigation as authorities seek to confirm every detail.

The shooting unfolded near a metro station, just two blocks northwest of the White House. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the gunman “came around the corner” and opened fire. Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant police chief, characterized the attack as a “targeted shooting.” Troops in the vicinity responded quickly, subduing the shooter after he was injured.

The aftermath of the shooting saw intense law enforcement activity, including agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on scene. Social media footage captured the frantic efforts of first responders performing CPR on the guard members as the area was cordoned off.

In a video message released shortly after the attack, former President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as a “crime against our entire nation,” calling for a review of Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration. “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” he stated, further fueling the political discourse surrounding the incident.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials have yet to determine a motive for the shooting. The focus now shifts to the conditions of the injured soldiers and the potential legal ramifications for Lakanwal.

The incident underscores the ongoing debates surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., as the Trump administration had recently ordered an additional 500 personnel to the city. Currently, nearly 2,200 troops are assigned to the joint task force in the capital, patrolling neighborhoods and key locations.

This violence comes at a time when the presence of military personnel in urban areas has become a contentious political issue, especially as the nation prepares for the Thanksgiving holiday. The National Guard Bureau’s chief, Gen. Steven Nordhaus, altered his plans to be with troops in D.C. instead of spending the holiday at Guantanamo Bay, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

As the investigation continues, officials urge the public to remain vigilant. The community is left grappling with the shocking reality that such violence can erupt in the nation’s capital, particularly during a season meant for gratitude and reflection.