Trump calls the ambush an act of evil and orders immediate troop reinforcements
A violent ambush in the heart of the United States capital has triggered a massive security response and a fierce political backlash. Following a shooting incident that left two National Guard soldiers in critical condition, President Donald Trump has denounced the event as an "act of terror" and directed the Pentagon to surge military presence in the city.
The attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Farragut Square, a bustling area located just blocks away from the White House. According to law enforcement reports, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were conducting a high-visibility patrol when they were suddenly fired upon.
Ambush in the Capital
Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. Lakanwal reportedly hid around a corner before launching a surprise attack on the uniformed soldiers. The servicemen were shot at close range but were supported by colleagues who returned fire, wounding the suspect and taking him into custody.
Following the Washington DC National Guard shooting, the area was immediately locked down. Both wounded soldiers were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The suspect is also receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds.
Trump blames Biden Administration
President Trump, who was spending the Thanksgiving holiday at his Mar-a-Lago estate, released a video address expressing outrage. He labeled the shooter an "animal" and the incident a "crime against humanity." However, his sharpest criticism was reserved for his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Trump seized on the suspect's background to attack previous immigration policies. Officials confirmed that Lakanwal entered the US in September 2021 following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. While he initially arrived on a special visa for those who assisted US forces, he had reportedly overstayed and was in the country illegally.
"This suspect was flown in from hellhole Afghanistan by the Biden administration," Trump declared in his late-night address. He argued that the vetting process during the 2021 withdrawal was flawed, calling refugees from that period a potential risk to national survival.
Security Crackdown
In response to the violence, the President has ordered an additional 500 troops to Washington DC to bolster the 2,200 guards already stationed there. He also vowed to launch a comprehensive re-examination of all Afghan nationals who entered the country under the previous administration, promising to deport anyone found to be a threat or living in the US illegally.
The incident is currently being investigated by the Justice Department as an act of terrorism.
