The man identified as the suspect in Wednesday’s shocking shooting of two National Guard troops near the White House has been named as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021, according to reporting from CBS News and other major outlets.
As authorities work to piece together the motive, alleged social media accounts linked to Lakanwal have begun circulating online, though officials have not yet confirmed their authenticity.
The attack unfolded in broad daylight on Wednesday in central Washington, D.C., when National Guard troops assigned to patrol duties came under sudden fire.
BREAKING: The National Guard shooter has been identified as Afghan National Rahmanullah Lakanwal and was in the United States illegally.
He entered the country under Biden’s “Operation Allies Welcome” and overstayed his visa. pic.twitter.com/d3thfiZoXV
— America (@america) November 27, 2025
According to law enforcement sources cited by multiple networks, Lakanwal allegedly used a handgun to shoot both guardsmen at close range, striking them in the head. The troops were rushed to separate hospitals and remain in critical condition.
Lakanwal himself was shot by responding authorities at the scene and transported for emergency medical treatment. Officials confirmed that investigators were able to identify him after running his fingerprints through federal databases, which yielded his initial name and immigration file.
CBS News reported that he arrived in the United States in 2021, though the network has not yet clarified under what immigration category he was admitted. CNN corroborated that his fingerprints were key to confirming his identity. Because the shooting took place steps from the White House security perimeter, federal agencies immediately took the lead in the investigation.
NBC News, citing senior law enforcement officials, reported that the FBI now plans to investigate the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, though they stressed that no motive has been established.
Officials are analyzing digital evidence, interviewing associates, and reviewing travel and immigration records as they work to determine whether the shooting was premeditated, ideologically motivated, or the act of a lone individual with unknown grievances.
Within hours of the attack, screenshots of alleged social media profiles tied to the name “Rahmanullah Lakanwal” began circulating widely on X. Several commentators shared photos, posts, and biographical details purportedly connected to the suspect. However, federal authorities have not confirmed that the accounts belong to him, and the authenticity of the screenshots could not be independently verified.
In the aftermath of the attack, President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social condemning the shooting and expressing support for the injured guardsmen. He referred to the gunman as “the animal that shot the two National Guardsmen,” adding that both victims had suffered critical injuries and were fighting for their lives.
Trump went on to praise the National Guard, military personnel, and law enforcement officers involved in the response, writing: “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The president also ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed within Washington, D.C., citing security concerns and the need to bolster patrols following the attack.
Local officials reacted with equal urgency and condemnation. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser described the shooting as a “targeted attack” and called it “horrific and unconscionable.” In a statement posted to X, she expressed sympathy for the wounded troops and emphasized that city agencies were fully cooperating with federal authorities.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also weighed in, calling the incident heartbreaking. “My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington, D.C., near the White House,” he wrote. “I am closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families. I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect.”
As the day progressed, more information began to come to light, including alleged details about Lakanwal’s immigration records and photographs circulating on social media. However, officials repeated that none of the online materials had yet been confirmed.
The FBI’s inquiry is expected to examine whether Lakanwal had any connections to extremist groups, whether he acted alone, and whether there were warning signs prior to the attack. Agents are also analyzing the firearm used in the shooting, any digital communications sent by the suspect, and potential ties to individuals either in the United States or abroad.
This remains a developing story, and more details are expected as federal investigators continue to piece together what led to one of the most alarming security incidents near the White House in recent years.
