Former US President Barack Obama has condemned violence in America following a shooting near the White House. Obama expressed his prayers for the service members injured in the incident and extended condolences to their families during the holiday season.
The suspected shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, was involved in the attack. Current US President Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, also addressed the incident, pledging that the perpetrator would face severe consequences for their actions.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, stated that investigators have yet to determine a motive for the attack. The two guards who were shot are in critical condition in the hospital, according to FBI director Kash Patel.
The shooting occurred near the White House, with nearby troops intervening to subdue the gunman after the incident. The presence of the National Guard in the capital has sparked public debate on the Trump administration’s approach to addressing crime issues.
Videos shared on social media showed first responders performing CPR on one of the injured troops. The National Guard deployment in Washington has been a subject of controversy, with a federal judge recently ordering an end to the deployment, pending further legal actions.
Guard members have been involved in various public service activities, including patrolling neighborhoods, railway stations, and providing security at events. The ongoing situation has raised concerns among the public regarding the role of the military in domestic law enforcement.