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:
“Denise 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.”
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb also issued a statement condemning the attack, noting:
“Violence 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.”
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.
Orlando, Fla. — 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.
Cruz’s 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. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When 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,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s 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 Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
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.