Washington(The COW News Digital)Two National Guard members were critically injured after a shooting incident near the White House on Monday, prompting a swift security lockdown across parts of Washington, D.C. According to U.S. media reports, the attack occurred when an armed individual opened fire on the guards stationed close to the presidential residence.
Authorities confirmed that both injured guards were immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition. A heavy police response secured the area within minutes, sealing off surrounding streets and restricting civilian movement. The White House was placed under temporary lockdown as a precaution.
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Police announced the arrest of a suspect identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who reportedly entered the United States in 2021. Officials stated that the suspect was apprehended without major resistance shortly after the shooting. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, are now working jointly to piece together the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security said in a brief statement that authorities are “actively gathering information” and coordinating with federal partners to ensure public safety. Additional security measures were introduced across several key points in the capital immediately following the incident.
President Donald Trump, addressing a public gathering moments after the attack, condemned the incident as an act of terrorism. He criticized security lapses during the previous Biden administration, stating that every non-citizen who entered the country under Biden’s tenure will undergo a renewed vetting process.
On social media, President Trump issued a sharp warning, calling the shooter a “beast” and vowing that anyone who targets National Guard members “will pay a heavy price.”
Authorities confirmed that the two injured guards are residents of West Virginia. The state’s governor announced that he is in continuous contact with federal officials, emphasizing that a full investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport temporarily grounded flights due to heightened security concerns after the shooting. Operations resumed after a short delay once the area was cleared by security personnel.
The investigation remains ongoing, with federal agencies examining the suspect’s background, motive, and any potential affiliations. Law enforcement officials have urged the public to avoid the vicinity of I Street until further notice as security teams continue their work.
