Targeted Attack Near White House: Two National Guard Soldiers Critically Wounded

 🚨 Targeted Attack Near White House: Two National Guard Soldiers Critically Wounded

A shocking incident has rocked the nation's capital, as two National Guard soldiers were critically wounded in a targeted shooting just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon.

The brazen attack occurred near the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, in a busy area close to Farragut Square and key federal buildings. The incident immediately triggered a lockdown at the White House and surrounding government offices as federal and local law enforcement swarmed the scene.

Key Details of the Incident

 * The Victims: Two members of the National Guard were shot while on "high-visibility patrol." Both soldiers were reported to be in critical condition and were transported to local hospitals. Initial conflicting reports about their condition were later clarified by officials, including the FBI Director and D.C. Mayor.

 * The Attack: Officials described the shooting as a "targeted attack" and an "ambush." According to law enforcement, the gunman reportedly came around a corner and immediately opened fire on the troops.

 * The Suspect: The assailant, who was also wounded during an exchange of fire, was pinned down and taken into custody by other Guard members. Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. The suspect is also hospitalized.

 * Investigation: The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities, including the FBI, are treating the incident as a serious assault on federal officers and are investigating a possible act of terrorism. They believe the gunman acted alone.

Political Fallout and Deployment

The shooting has quickly intensified the political debate surrounding the presence of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., a deployment that was ordered by the administration to assist with local law enforcement efforts.

 * President Donald Trump issued a strong statement condemning the attack, calling the shooter an "animal" and vowing that the individual "will pay a very steep price." He also confirmed that the suspect was severely wounded.

 * In the wake of the violence, the Secretary of War announced plans to deploy an additional 500 National Guard members to the city, escalating the controversial military presence despite a recent court order challenging its legality.

 * The Department of Homeland Security has also weighed in, confirming the suspect's immigration history and sparking a renewed partisan debate about the vetting process for Afghan nationals admitted under the "Operation Allies Welcome" program.

The city is left with a heightened sense of alert as authorities work to piece together the motive for this shocking act of violence against military personnel serving in the nation's capital.

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