By: The Trek News Desk
A shocking midday shooting just two blocks from the White House left two West Virginia National Guard soldiers critically wounded on Wednesday. City officials described the attack as a “targeted assault.”
How the Attack Unfolded
The gunfire erupted around 2:15 p.m. near the busy Farragut Square Metro Station. According to the Metropolitan Police, a lone gunman suddenly opened fire on two uniformed soldiers during their routine patrol.
Nearby National Guard personnel, who heard the shots, immediately rushed in and subdued the suspect.
Authorities confirmed the attacker was struck by four bullets during the confrontation. Officials have not yet determined what weapon was used or the motive behind the assault.
Suspect Identified
The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakamal, describing him as “a criminal alien from Afghanistan,” though his exact immigration status remains unclear.
President Donald Trump, speaking from Florida, claimed the suspect entered the U.S. in September 2021 and vowed “the harshest punishment” for what he labelled “an act of terror.”
In response to the incident, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services temporarily halted processing of all Afghan-related immigration petitions pending a review of vetting procedures.
Federal and Local Response
FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the shooting, calling it a “cold and deliberate attack” on U.S. service members.
D.C. Assistant Police Chief Jeff Carroll reported that the suspect was pinned to the ground almost immediately after the shooting, with officers arriving within moments.
Confusion and Political Reaction
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially posted on X that both soldiers had died, but later retracted his statement, citing conflicting medical reports.
Vice President J.D. Vance urged Americans to pray for the injured soldiers and their families.
Impact on the City
The shooting triggered a brief ground stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the eve of Thanksgiving travel.
At the scene, shattered glass from a bus stop, a heavy police presence, and armed security units reflected the chaos that followed the attack.
Witnesses reported hearing two initial shots followed by three more, prompting people to sprint for safety into nearby stores and vehicles.
Pentagon’s Response and Current Guard Presence
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the President ordered an additional 500 National Guard personnel into Washington, D.C., following the attack.
Roughly 2,200 Guard members are already deployed in the capital, representing units from D.C. and several southern and midwestern states.
Although National Guard troops cannot enforce local laws, police data shows a notable decline in violent crime since their deployment in August. Homicides dropped from 107 last year to 62 in the same May–November period this year.
Broader Context
The Trump administration has stationed National Guard units in several Democratic-led cities in recent months, arguing the moves are necessary to control crime. Critics, however, have accused the White House of federal overreach.
Source: News Agencies
