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.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado โ A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.