Crime
Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal? Suspect in shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC
Federal authorities have confirmed the identity of 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.
According to federal law enforcement and multiple verified records, Lakanwal entered the United States on August 8, 2021, under the Operation Allies Welcome program, established to support Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
His immigration parole reportedly expired in September 2025, and officials state he was in the country without valid status at the time of the incident.
Law enforcement sources report that the attack occurred in the area near the Farragut Metro Station, just blocks from the White House.
The shooting was described as intentional and ambush-style.
Approximately 10 to 15 rounds were exchanged before the suspect was struck four times and taken into custody. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under police supervision. Authorities said Lakanwal did not have identification on him and has not cooperated with investigators.
Early witness accounts suggest the suspect may have shouted a phrase in a foreign language during the attack; however, investigators emphasize that these reports remain unverified pending audio analysis and interviews.
The two National Guard members sustained life-threatening injuries. While initial reports suggested both victims had died, officials later stated that their conditions remain critical, and some sources indicated they may be medically non-responsive. Confirmation from military and medical authorities is pending.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed shock, stating:
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 attack, noting:
โViolence is never the answer and must be swiftly condemned. The National Guard are volunteers who leave their jobs and families to serve the country. This is a heartbreaking day for D.C. and for our nation.โ
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies are jointly investigating the incident.
Authorities have stated that the motive is not yet confirmed, and the case is being evaluated as a possible act of terrorism based on preliminary indicators, including location, method, and early witness reports.
Officials noted there is no known connection to the White House or a broader coordinated threat.
Federal law enforcement officials report that ambush-style attacks targeting military personnel and law enforcement have increased nationwide in 2025.
The incident has renewed national discussion regarding security protocols for deployed National Guard personnel and public safety in federal districts.
Further updates will be released as additional verified information becomes available.
Authorities are urging anyone with firsthand information, video, or witness observations relevant to the investigation to contact federal investigators.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.