Afghan National Arrested for Shooting National Guard Members Near White House

BREAKING: An Afghan national has been arrested following a shocking shooting that injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard just blocks from the White House. The incident, which took place on November 22, 2023, has left the victims in critical condition and raised urgent concerns over the safety of military personnel in the nation’s capital.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the shooting occurred during a time of heightened military presence in Washington, D.C., amid ongoing political debates about the use of troops to address rising crime rates. Mayor Muriel Bowser reported that the two injured guardsmen were rushed to the hospital, where they underwent surgery. “They came through surgery,” said Pam Bondi, Attorney General, during an appearance on Fox News.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported the troops’ deaths but later retracted that statement, citing “conflicting reports” about their condition. The urgency of the situation has prompted swift action, with the Trump administration deploying an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington in response.

The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to evacuate Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal. Earlier reports indicate that Lakanwal had previously worked with the CIA in Kandahar, although the specifics of his role remain unclear.

Lakanwal was also injured during the incident, but his wounds are not believed to be life-threatening. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, which has shocked the nation, especially given its proximity to the heart of American governance. “This was a targeted shooting,” Mayor Bowser stated, highlighting the calculated nature of the attack.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as gunfire erupted near a metro station, just two blocks from the White House. Video footage shared online showed first responders administering CPR to one of the injured guardsmen. Witness Michael Ryan recounted seeing the aftermath, with troops struggling to subdue the gunman while others rushed to aid their wounded comrades.

In a video message following the incident, former President Donald Trump condemned the attack as a “heinous assault” and called for a reevaluation of Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration. “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” he stated.

The investigation into Lakanwal’s background is ongoing, as law enforcement seeks to establish a clearer picture of his motives. Authorities have emphasized that they are exploring every angle, with police chief Jeffery Carroll confirming, “At this point, we have no other suspects.”

The shooting underscores the complexities and risks associated with the deployment of National Guard troops in urban environments, particularly amid ongoing national discussions on public safety and military involvement. This incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of the vetting processes for Afghan refugees, as critics raise concerns about potential gaps.

As the situation develops, officials indicate that charges against Lakanwal will be determined based on the prognosis of the injured guardsmen. “We will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster,” Bondi added, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

The shooting serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the vulnerability they face even on U.S. soil. As investigations continue, the nation watches closely for updates on the condition of the guardsmen and the legal proceedings against Lakanwal.

Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent story.