Crime
29-Year-Old Afghan National Rahmanullah Lakanwal Named as Suspect in D.C. National Guard Shooting
Federal authorities have identified the suspect involved in the shooting of two National Guard service members in Washington, D.C., as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021, according to multiple law enforcement sources.
The shooting occurred near the Farragut North Metro Station, just blocks from the White House.
Law enforcement sources described the attack as ambush-style, intentional, and targeted. Approximately 10 to 15 rounds were fired during the incident.
The confrontation escalated into an exchange of gunfire, during which the suspect was struck four times before being taken into custody.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and is currently in custody.
Officials say he has not cooperated with investigators and was found without identification at the time of arrest.
Reports regarding the condition of the two National Guard members have varied. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported the service members had died from their injuries but later stated he was receiving conflicting information and would provide updates when confirmed.
Some federal sources have indicated that the victims are in critical condition and may be medically brain dead, though no official medical confirmation has been released.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey posted:
โDenise and I are devastated by the news that two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot earlier today in Washington, D.C. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.โ
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb also issued a statement condemning the violence, writing:
โViolence is never the answer and must be swiftly condemned by all. The National Guard are volunteers. They leave their jobs and families at a momentโs notice to serve their country. This is a heartbreaking day for D.C. and for our nation.โ
Federal and local authorities, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, are actively investigating the shooting. Law enforcement officials have stated the motive remains under review and are examining whether the attack may qualify as an act of terrorism.
Some early witness accounts suggested the suspect may have shouted a phrase in a foreign language during the attack; however, investigators emphasized that these reports remain unverified.
There is no known connection to the White House or federal property at this time.
Officials noted that ambush-style attacks on law enforcement and military personnel have increased nationwide in 2025.
The shooting has renewed conversations surrounding military protection protocols, immigration vetting, and public safety in the nationโs capital.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information or firsthand video evidence to contact federal investigators as the case develops.
Further updates will be released once additional verified details are available.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. โ Multiple people were injured after a U-Haul truck drove into a crowd during an Iranian protest on Veterans Avenue in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to police and eyewitness accounts.
The incident occurred near the federal building at 1338 Veteran Avenue, where demonstrators had gathered for a proโPahlavi, anti-regime rally.
Video circulating on social media shows a U-Haul truck bearing political slogans related to Iranโs monarchy entering the area of the protest and moving directly through a group of demonstrators.
Witnesses reported that as the truck approached the crowd, several protesters attempted to block its path, striking the vehicle and trying to pull the driver out.
In some footage, individuals can be seen attempting to remove or cover slogans displayed on the truck. Despite these efforts, the driver continued inching forward and ultimately drove into people in the crowd.
Authorities stated that multiple individuals were injured in the incident.
While no fatalities have been confirmed, witnesses described the situation as chaotic and potentially deadly.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and treated victims, while law enforcement worked to secure the area.
Police said individuals on the ground attempted to confront the person inside the U-Haul prior to the vehicle moving through the crowd.
Officers subsequently established a perimeter and began moving demonstrators away from the emergency response zone to allow first responders to operate safely.
The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet released the identity of the driver or confirmed whether the incident is being investigated as an intentional act or a traffic-related offense.
Officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further details will be provided as they become available.