Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal? The Afghan Evacuee Identified as the Gunman in the White House Attack
U.S. authorities have identified the suspect involved in Wednesday’s targeted shooting that left two West Virginia National Guardsmen critically injured near the White House. According to multiple law enforcement sources cited by Newsweek and other outlets, the suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.
The shooting — described by officials as a “deliberate ambush-style attack” — unfolded just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon, triggering an immediate security lockdown in the nation’s capital.
Security Lockdowns and Emergency Alerts Across Washington, D.C.
The incident prompted authorities to raise the city’s security alert level to red, before later downgrading it once the suspect was detained. Temporary closures were ordered around the White House and Treasury Department, and emergency airspace restrictions led to a brief halt of flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to allow air medical evacuation.
Officials said the two Guardsmen were taken to area hospitals in critical condition.
Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?
According to Newsweek, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration’s emergency evacuation program following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.
U.S. media outlets reported:
- He overstayed his visa, leaving him currently in an unlawful status.
- A relative told reporters he served 10 years in the Afghan military, working alongside U.S. Special Operations forces.
- He fled Afghanistan fearing retaliation from the Taliban.
- He is married with five children.
Lakanwal was shot during his arrest and remains hospitalized under federal guard.
Motive Still Unknown, FBI Confirms Guardsmen Were Targeted
Authorities say the attacker’s motivation remains unclear. However, the FBI confirmed the attack was specifically directed at National Guard members, not random civilians.
The suspect’s condition has not been publicly updated, but officials say he is stable enough for questioning when medically cleared.
Political Fallout: Trump Responds With Harsh Statement
The shooting has already triggered sharp political reactions in Washington.
President Donald Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, used unusually severe language—calling the suspect “an animal” and vowing he would “pay a very big price.”
Trump also demanded a full review of all Afghan nationals who entered the United States during President Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The comments have reignited heated debate in political and national security circles over vetting procedures and the long-term handling of Afghan evacuees.
What Happens Next
Federal investigators continue to process evidence, interview witnesses, and review the suspect’s immigration and military background. Homeland Security officials say more updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
For now, Washington remains on heightened alert as the Guardsmen fight for their lives and authorities search for answers behind the brazen attack near one of the most secure locations in the country.