Afghan asylum is suspected as shooter of DC National Guard

(MENAFN) A 29-year-old Afghan asylum seeker has been named as the suspect in the ambush-style shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, according to media reports citing law enforcement sources. The individual has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who reportedly entered the United States in 2021.

Police said the gunman approached two National Guardsmen from West Virginia stationed in DC and opened fire at close range. Both soldiers were hospitalized in critical condition, while the suspect was apprehended at the scene. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack.

A news agency reported that Lakanwal fired between 10 and 15 rounds, and was himself shot four times. FBI Director Kash Patel stated the case will be treated as an assault on federal law enforcement officers. NBC News added that the FBI is also investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.

The attack occurs amid heightened security and immigration measures. Former President Donald Trump had deployed National Guard units to multiple cities, framing it as a response to crime in Democrat-led areas, which critics denounced as an abuse of authority. Trump has also pledged to intensify immigration enforcement and overhaul the asylum system, citing concerns that it permits violent criminals and extremists to enter the US.

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