UPDATE: A shooting incident near the White House has left two National Guard members in critical condition today, November 23, 2023. The suspected shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, has sparked outrage and concern from leaders across the nation.
Former President Barack Obama expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “Michelle and I are praying for the service members shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances.” His remarks underscore the emotional toll of this violent attack as families brace for the holidays amidst tragedy.
The incident occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House, near a metro station, where Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on the service members who were on duty. Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, confirmed that investigators are still probing the motive behind the attack. Witnesses described chaos as other troops rushed to subdue the gunman after he was shot.
Current President Donald Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, condemned the attack, referring to the shooter as an “animal” and promising that he “will pay a very steep price.” In his statement on Truth Social, Trump declared, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People.”
The shooting has intensified ongoing debates regarding the presence of the National Guard in Washington, DC, amidst rising crime concerns. Just last week, around 160 National Guard members volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year, following Trump’s emergency order in August that federalized local police and deployed troops from eight states.
As emergency responders attended to the wounded guards on a glass-covered sidewalk, videos shared on social media captured the urgent scene. The FBI confirmed that both guards are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Authorities are urging calm as investigations continue, and the community remains on high alert. The situation is developing, and more details are expected to emerge.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and share this urgent news with others to keep them informed.
