National Guard Shooting Suspect’s Name Released

ATF and Secret Service Police officers are seen after reports of two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The suspect alleged to have shot and killed two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, is an Afghan national, according to three law enforcement sources who spoke with CBS News.

Fox News National Correspondent Brooke Taylor later reported that law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

Taylor added that officials said Lakanwal, 29, came to the U.S. legally during the Biden administration under the Operation Allies Welcome initiative, and overstayed his visa.

Operation Allies Welcome was a program that sought to resettle Afghans who worked with the U.S. during its occupation of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021.

The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Farragut Metro Station — mere blocks away from the White House. The suspect was also shot in the chaotic scene, and all three were transported to a local hospital.

Not long after the shooting, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, confirming that he had been informed of the situation. The president referred to the suspected gunman as an “animal” and vowed that he or she would “pay a very steep price.”

Moments after the post went live, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey broke the news that the two troops had succumbed to their injuries. However, the Morrisey later retracted the statement. The guardsmen are in critical condition.

Lakanwal is reportedly not cooperating with authorities.

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