Former US president Barack Obama has condemned the violence near the White House, stating that such acts have no place in America. Obama and his wife, Michelle, expressed their prayers for the injured service members and extended their support to their families during this difficult time.
The suspected shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, carried out the attack. Current US President Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, denounced the incident on social media, vowing that the perpetrator would face severe consequences.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. The two guards who were on duty at the time of the attack are in critical condition in the hospital. The shooting occurred a short distance from the White House, and nearby troops managed to subdue the gunman after the incident.
The presence of the National Guard in the capital has sparked debates about the administration’s use of military forces to combat rising crime rates. Videos circulating on social media showed first responders providing medical assistance to the injured guards. Despite an order to end the deployment, National Guard members have continued their duties in various capacities around the city.