UPDATE: A shooting near the White House on November 23, 2023, has left two National Guard members in critical condition as authorities confirm the suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021.
Former President Barack Obama expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Violence has no place in America,” while sending prayers to the families of the victims. His message resonates deeply as the nation approaches the holiday season, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding this event.
Current President Donald Trump also weighed in, calling the shooter an “animal” and declaring that he “will pay a very steep price.” Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, extended his support to the National Guard and law enforcement, emphasizing, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military.”
According to Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant police chief in DC, the shooting occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. The guards were on duty when they were ambushed, with Lakanwal reportedly opening fire immediately upon encountering them. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos as other troops in the vicinity rushed to apprehend the shooter after he was shot.
Both guards are currently hospitalized, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel, with their conditions described as critical. Visuals shared on social media show first responders performing CPR on one of the troops on a glass-covered sidewalk, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
This incident raises significant concerns about security in the nation’s capital, where the presence of the National Guard has sparked ongoing debates about the Trump administration’s military policies. Over 300 National Guard members from West Virginia were deployed to Washington in August, with a recent extension of service granted to roughly 160 troops until the end of the year.
Trump’s emergency order in August federalized local police and dispatched National Guard troops from eight states to assist in managing what he termed an “out-of-control crime problem.” Although a federal judge recently ordered an end to this deployment, her ruling has been paused for 21 days, allowing the administration time to appeal or withdraw the troops.
The shooting incident is not just a tragic event but a pivotal moment reflecting the underlying tensions surrounding public safety, military presence, and violence in America. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for Lakanwal’s actions, and investigations are ongoing.
As the nation watches closely, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken in response to this alarming incident and how it will impact public policy moving forward. Updates will continue as more information becomes available.
