WASHINGTON (AP) — The brazen daytime shooting of two National Guard members in the nation’s capital by a suspect identified as an Afghan national has stirred urgent questions. This incident, occurring just before Thanksgiving, raises concerns about the safety of military personnel and the circumstances surrounding the assailant's background.

The FBI Director and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that the two National Guard members are currently hospitalized in critical condition. Both serve in the West Virginia National Guard, which has been deployed for a crime-fighting mission in the capital, an effort that saw nearly 2,200 troops stationed in D.C.

Initial reports from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey mistakenly indicated that the soldiers had succumbed to their injuries, prompting a need for clarification due to conflicting information.

Attack Details

Mayor Bowser described the incident as a targeted shooting. D.C. police chief Jeffery Carroll stated that the assailant opened fire with a revolver almost immediately upon approaching the troops. Reports suggest that at least one Guard member returned fire before the soldiers managed to subdue the shooter, who has been taken into custody. There is currently no information available regarding the motive behind the attack.

Identifying the Suspect

The shooter has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the United States through Operation Allies Welcome — a program aimed at resettling Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal. Lakanwal has been residing in Washington state since September 2021 and arrived with his family as part of the refugee operations.

Details regarding his journey to Washington D.C., approximately 2,500 miles away, remain unclear as authorities continue to investigate.

Impact on National Guard

In the wake of the incident, former President Trump announced that he would dispatch 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington D.C., but it is uncertain where these forces will be sourced from. The local D.C. National Guard already numbers nearly 949 personnel, with ongoing deployments contributing to heightened security measures.

This shooting incident reflects growing concerns about public safety and the challenges faced by returning soldiers, all while the investigation into Lakanwal continues. As more details emerge, the community is left grappling with the implications for future military and civic relations in the capital.

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