Federal authorities have identified the suspect involved in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers on Wednesday afternoon as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who has ties to Bellingham, Washington. Multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation confirmed Lakanwal’s identity and background.
Originating from Afghanistan, Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration. He applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted that status in April 2025 during the Trump administration, according to the same sources. The circumstances surrounding his presence in the U.S. are under scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
An FBI spokesperson stated, “The FBI’s Washington Field Office is collaborating with our law enforcement partners to investigate the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., this afternoon. Further details are not available at this time due to the ongoing investigation.”
Law enforcement officials, alongside the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s office, are expected to provide more information regarding the suspect and potential charges during a press conference scheduled for tomorrow morning. Authorities were able to identify Lakanwal through fingerprint analysis, indicating that they are working diligently to confirm additional details.
The shooting occurred near the White House, where two National Guard troops were reported to be in critical condition after the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that a person of interest is in custody and that the FBI is treating the shooting as a potential case of “international terrorism,” investigating any possible links to terrorist organizations.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, gunfire erupted around 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of 17th and I streets Northwest. Three individuals were treated for gunshot wounds and transported to the hospital. During a news conference, Patel described the event as a “brazen attack” on the soldiers, who were reportedly shot in the head during the incident.
While police confirmed that the shooter was also injured, they have yet to clarify the events leading up to the gunfire. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the shooting as a “targeted” act. In response to the heightened security situation, a ground stop was issued at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), although flights have since resumed. Following the shooting, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.
