Two West Virginia National Guard troops are in critical condition following a shooting near the White House in Northwest D.C., authorities confirmed. A suspect is in custody, and a third person was also injured in the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported that gunfire erupted around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday near 17th and I Streets, NW. First responders transported all three victims to local hospitals. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of “international terrorism” and is examining any links to foreign organizations.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the attack as a “horrendous act of violence,” noting that the suspect approached the National Guard members and shot them. One of the Guardsmen returned fire, injuring the suspect, who was subsequently taken into custody.
Sources identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a Washington state resident who reportedly moved to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021, though authorities are still verifying details.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the troops’ critical condition, clarifying earlier conflicting reports. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the shooting as “targeted,” and law enforcement has closed several nearby streets while the investigation continues.
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have all commented on the incident. Trump called for accountability and praised the bravery of the National Guard and law enforcement. Hegseth announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital in response to the shooting.
One of the injured Guardsmen was identified by Musselman High School as alumnus Andrew Wolfe. The school offered condolences to Wolfe, his family, and all affected by the attack.
A temporary ground stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was issued but has since been lifted, though some flight delays remain possible.
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