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.
Orlando, Fla. โ Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruzโs father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruzโs partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruzโs partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
โWhen they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,โ Anthony Cruz said. โMy son didnโt deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt โ a shirt with a bullet hole.โ
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruzโs family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruzโs memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the clubโs property.
โI didnโt know the victim, but from everything Iโve been told, I wish I had,โ Cooper said. โHe seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.โ
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.