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Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded on Tuesday afternoon after being shot while on a high-visibility patrol near the White House in Washington, DC.
According to police, the incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m., when an attacker approached from a corner and opened fire on the patrol team.
The victims have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both serving with the West Virginia National Guard. They were transported to hospital, where they remain in critical condition following medical procedures.
Law enforcement officers responded immediately and apprehended the suspect, identified by the Department of Homeland Security as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, described as a criminal alien from Afghanistan.
Authorities say he sustained gunshot injuries during the arrest and is currently in custody. Officials report that he has not cooperated with investigators.
According to DHS information, Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 under a programme linked to Operation Allies Welcome.
He had been living in Washington State with his wife and five children, and his asylum application was approved earlier this year.
Lakanwal is expected to face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, as well as possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The first charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years if convicted.
In response to the shooting, President Trump announced plans to deploy an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, DC, citing concerns about security in the capital.
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