U.S. Soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina National Guard scan the District of Columbia monorail system during a patrol at Dupont Circle on Sept. 29, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Shane Ga …
WASHINGTON - Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting near The White House on Wednesday afternoon, described as a targeted attack by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
The D.C. Police Department says the scene is secured, and one suspect is in custody.
The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is believed to have entered the U.S. legally in September 2021 following the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan. He's since been ID'ed as Afghan national, according to The Associated Press. He was living in Washington state before the incident.
READ MORE: Live DC Shooting Updates: 2 National Guard members shot near White House have died
The backstory:
The National Guard says the members on active duty in the nation’s capital are from the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Dakota and Georgia. The members were activated on Aug. 11 to support local and federal law in the District of Columbia.
According to the National Guard, there are approximately 2,500 Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG) members on duty in the nation's capital as part of Joint Task Force-DC.
Under the command of Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, the WVNG deployed 300-400 skilled personnel in August, along with mission-essential equipment and specialized training, to the nation’s capital.
At the time of deployment, Governor Morrisey said, "West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital." He added that the mission "reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America."
Maj. Gen. Seward echoed the sentiment, stating, "We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nation’s capital a clean and safe environment."
Some guard members carry service-issued M17 pistols
The National Guard says, depending on the mission, guard members supporting Joint Task Force-DC carry service-issued M17 pistols, which are intended for personal protection.
Guard members on the mission receive initial, regular, ongoing and refresher training, as well as complete annual weapons qualifications, prior to carrying weapons.
The decision for guard members to carry weapons came at the direction of the Secretary of Defense and in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement partners.
Service members are patrolling areas of D.C. and support missions at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority metro stations.
What's next:
The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump asked him to send the extra troops shortly after the incident occurred.
The National Guard's presence in Washington has been a contentious issue, with more than 300 West Virginia National Guard members deployed in August. Recently, about 160 volunteered to extend their deployment while others returned to West Virginia.
Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment but also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to either remove the troops or appeal the decision.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by The National Guard, as well as Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. and statements from public officials. Additional reporting by The Associated Press.