Two West Virginia Guardsmen Critically Wounded in Targeted Shooting Near the White House

Two West Virginia National Guardsmen were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the White House on Wednesday, an attack that triggered an immediate law enforcement response and tightened security across downtown Washington, D.C. The incident took place only blocks from the presidential residence, according to statements from D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith and West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey. Both victims, who were deployed as part of an ongoing operation addressing illegal immigration and crime, were transported to a local hospital and remain in critical condition. Authorities identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, described as an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 and received asylum approval in April 2025. Officials said he was arrested shortly after the shooting, characterizing the attack as brazen and premeditated. Lakanwal, who has a wife and five children, reportedly opened fire immediately after approaching the guardsmen, tho...