A shocking and highly coordinated attack unfolded in downtown Washington, D.C., when two members of the West Virginia National Guard were struck by gunfire in what officials are calling a “targeted shooting”. The incident occurred just blocks from the White House, sending shockwaves through federal agencies, raising urgent national security concerns, and prompting swift response from FBI Director Kash Patel.
According to authorities, the two Guardsmen were patrolling the area near 17th and I Streets NW, a short distance from major federal buildings, when the gunman launched a sudden and deliberate assault. The attacker reportedly raised a weapon, fired multiple rounds, and injured both service members before being neutralized by a third Guardsman who returned fire. Officials described the encounter as an ambush that unfolded within seconds.
The suspect—identified by federal sources as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national—was taken into custody after being shot during the exchange. Investigators say he entered the United States in 2021 under a special visa program and had overstayed his authorized period, intensifying public debate over immigration vetting and national security protocols.
In a late-evening briefing, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the attack is being treated as a top-level security threat. Patel stated that the federal government is deploying all necessary resources to determine the suspect’s motivations and potential affiliations. “This was a deliberate and targeted act against uniformed service members,” Patel said. “We will uncover every detail behind this attack and bring full justice to those responsible.”
The two injured National Guard members remain hospitalized in critical condition, though earlier reports mistakenly claimed they had died. Multiple agencies—including the FBI, Secret Service, and D.C. Metropolitan Police—are conducting a coordinated investigation. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the shooting is linked to domestic extremism, international terrorism, or a lone-wolf operation, but early indications suggest the attack was pre-planned rather than random.
The incident has reignited ongoing controversy surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., a move that has drawn both support and criticism throughout 2025. Their presence was part of a federal initiative aimed at strengthening security around key government zones; however, the assault has raised urgent questions about the protection, visibility, and vulnerability of military personnel operating in urban environments.
Political leaders, security experts, and community watchdogs are already calling for an in-depth review of current deployment policies. Many argue that the attack underscores the escalating risks faced by U.S. military personnel as they take on quasi-law-enforcement roles in major cities.
As federal agencies continue their investigation, the nation watches closely. The targeted shooting near the White House marks one of the most alarming security breaches in recent years—one that will likely shape national defense, immigration policy, and homeland security strategy for months to come.
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