Afghan Migrant Shouting “Allahu Akbar” Opens Fire on Two National Guard Personnel, Motive Under Investigation

Image: Jihad Watch

Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for Wednesday’s shocking shooting near the White House as a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. According to law enforcement officials who spoke to The Post, Lakanwal arrived in the United States during the turbulent 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, entering under Operation Allies Welcome — the emergency resettlement program launched for Afghan evacuees following the fall of Kabul.

Investigators believe Lakanwal may have been lying in wait before launching his violent attack. At approximately 2:15 p.m., he allegedly emerged around a corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest Washington, D.C., where National Guard troops were on routine patrol. Without warning, he reportedly opened fire on a female guard, shooting her first in the chest and then delivering another shot to her head, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Lakanwal then turned his weapon on a second National Guard member, striking him as well. The assault only came to an end when a third guard stationed nearby rushed toward the scene and managed to subdue the assailant, stopping the rampage before more casualties occurred.

Both injured soldiers, described as armed and actively patrolling the area at the time of the attack, were immediately transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities confirmed they were in critical condition as medical teams worked urgently to save their lives.

The suspect was also wounded — reportedly shot four times — before being taken into custody. Witnesses said he was transported in an ambulance wearing almost no clothing, and initial reports suggest he acted alone in the incident.

While investigators have not yet disclosed any motive, law enforcement sources say the FBI is preliminarily treating the case as a potential act of terrorism, given the circumstances surrounding the attack and the suspect’s background. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together Lakanwal’s movements, intentions, and any possible affiliations leading up to the violent episode.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)