Gunman Identified in Shooting of National Guard Soldiers

The individual suspected of shooting and killing two members of the West Virginia National Guard has been named as an Afghan national. Reports indicate that Rahmanullah Rakanwal, a 29-year-old who entered the United States in 2021, is the alleged gunman, a fact confirmed by Homeland Security officials.

This incident occurred about a mile from the White House. Initial accounts stated that both soldiers were critically injured and later succumbed to their injuries. 

Law enforcement sources in Washington, D.C. noted that the suspect utilized a revolver during the attack. The National Guard members did not have firearms; one attempted to defend themselves with a pocket knife. Following the gunfire, another security personnel intervened and shot the suspect.

Witness reports, including one from journalist Julio Rojas, mentioned that the assailant shouted “Allah Akbar!” prior to the shooting. Another soldier managed to stab Rakanwal with a pocket knife before he was subdued.

In related developments, the Metropolitan Police Department is reportedly holding a suspect as the FBI investigates the incident as a potential act of terrorism.