Update on National Guard Shooting Incident
Officials revealed that the suspect in the shooting incident involving the National Guard in Washington, D.C., traveled all the way from Washington state to carry out the attack.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, extended her heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families during a recent press briefing. Currently, both individuals affected by the shooting are in critical condition.
The assailant has been identified as Rahmanullah Rakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He previously collaborated with the CIA as part of a partner force in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and entered the U.S. under Operation Welcome Allies, which was initiated following what Pirro described as a “disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.”
Describing the ambush, Pirro noted, “A lone gunman, armed with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, opened fire without any provocation. The security guard was shot and fell, after which the suspect attacked again.” She added that another security guard was also injured, but prompt action from fellow guards helped neutralize the threat quickly.
The suspect has been taken to a local hospital under heavy security. Pirro commended the swift and coordinated response from both the National Guard and the Metropolitan Police, which prevented further casualties and secured the area rapidly.
The suspect, believed to have family living in Bellingham, Washington, had driven specifically across the country to execute his plan. “We’re collaborating closely with federal partners, especially the DHS and the FBI, to scrutinize his immigration history and the vetting process,” Pirro noted.
“What we know is that he deliberately drove from Washington state to reach the capital,” she added.
She further stated, “As of now, he faces three counts of armed assault with intent to kill… Additionally, he will be charged for firearm possession during a violent crime. If convicted, he could face 15 years in prison. We’ll keep an eye on the charges, depending on the guards’ recovery. We sincerely hope they survive, so we don’t end up looking at first-degree murder charges.”
FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned that a federal investigation is currently in progress. A search warrant has been executed at the suspect’s last known residence in Washington state. Patel confirmed that “a search warrant was conducted late last night or early this morning as part of an ongoing investigation. Everyone found at the residence has been interviewed, with some interviews still taking place. We’re determined to speak with anyone connected to the suspect and explore all aspects of his life.”
