Two National Guard Members Shot in D.C.: Key Details Unveiled
Two National Guard Members were shot on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., near the White House. The incident left both members critically injured, and they are currently undergoing treatment.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Jeffrey Carroll, the executive assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, reported that the shooter approached the Guard members and opened fire while they were patrolling. Nearby guards intervened and subdued the assailant.
Government and Authorities’ Response
The suspected shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakamal, entered the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021. He arrived through a program initiated by the Biden administration that allowed Afghans who had worked with the U.S. government to relocate. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated Lakamal’s entry was justified due to his prior experience as a partner force in Afghanistan.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that both Guard members had undergone surgery but did not disclose further details about their condition. President Trump referred to the shooting as a “targeted” attack, expressing concern for the injured and vowing significant consequences for the shooter.
Background on the Shooter
- Name: Rahmanullah Lakamal
- Entry to U.S.: 2021, through Operation Allies Welcome
- Reason for Entry: Prior collaboration with U.S. forces
Following the incident, Trump reiterated calls to re-evaluate immigration protocols for those entering from Afghanistan. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it would halt processing immigration applications from Afghan nationals for safety evaluations.
Military Deployment in Response
In response to rising crime rates in the capital, President Trump has ordered additional National Guard troops to be deployed. More than 2,000 Guard members have been present in D.C. since August. The president’s authority to deploy troops directly affects the nation’s capital due to its unique relationship with federal governance.
This shooting incident is under active investigation, and officials have indicated that charges against Lakamal may include terrorism, depending on the outcomes for the injured Guard members. The situation remains fluid as more information comes to light.
