Two National Guard troops were shot on Wednesday just 500 yards from the White House after a lone gunman opened fire near Farragut Square, sending tourists and office workers running for cover on the eve of Thanksgiving.
Police identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021. Officers said he approached the troops positioned outside the Farragut West metro station and opened fire, shattering a nearby bus shelter before other Guardsmen intervened and subdued him.
Both soldiers were shot in the head, according to officials cited by NBC News. A heavy security response followed, with the White House briefly placed under "condition red" lockdown and Reagan National Airport halting flights amid concerns about a wider threat.
Authorities said the FBI is investigating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism. President Donald Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington as officials continued to search for a motive.