In Washington, D.C., near the White House, a targeted shooting occurred that left two National Guard members from West Virginia wounded. The attack happened in the Farragut West area, around 17th and I Streets NW, and the gunman was wounded and taken into custody. The FBI and other federal and local authorities launched an investigation into the incident, which officials described as a possible act of terrorism, while motive remained under review.
President Donald Trump delivered a national address condemning the attack, calling it an act of evil and terror. He offered prayers for the wounded, praised first responders and security forces, and signaled a renewed focus on security considerations, including reviews of visa histories for Afghan entrants as part of ongoing counterterrorism discussions.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the FBI, and other agencies coordinated the response, with officials securing the area and providing updates to the public as information became available. Initial reports indicated the two Guardsmen were in critical condition; later updates from NBC News live blog referenced in public reporting noted that both had died, underscoring the evolving and tragic nature of the attack. The shooter’s identity has been released as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, and investigators described the incident as a possible terrorism-related attack.
Officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that security measures and vetting processes would be examined in the days ahead as more details emerge. The public is urged to rely on official channels for confirmed information as authorities determine a motive and pursue leads.
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