Shooting Incident in Washington, D.C.

Authorities have identified Rahmanullah Rakanwal as the individual responsible for the shooting that resulted in the deaths of two National Guard soldiers in West Virginia on Wednesday. Rakanwal, an Afghan national, was granted humanitarian parole after escaping from Afghanistan, according to a source close to the situation.

The incident occurred at the Farragut West subway station in Washington, D.C., roughly a mile away from the White House, where Rakanwal allegedly shot a guardsman in the head with a revolver. He entered the U.S. legally in 2021, following the Biden administration’s efforts during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Witnesses report that Rakanwal shouted “Allah Akbar!” just before opening fire, as noted by journalist Julio Rojas. During the chaos, one National Guard member was able to stab the suspect with a pocket knife, while another soldier returned fire, hitting Rakanwal.

The federal government is taking measures to address crime in the District of Columbia. In light of this shooting, the FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, although officials declined to provide further comments when approached.