National Guard, law enforcement pray outside DC hospital after 2 Guardsmen shot by Afghan refugee

National Guard troops and law-enforcement officers gathered in prayer outside a Washington, DC hospital on Wednesday evening as two Guardsmen remain in critical condition following a targeted ambush by an Afghan refugee near the White House.

The attack is now being investigated by the FBI as a possible act of terrorism, according to federal law-enforcement sources.

The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal. According to officials, Lakanwal used a handgun to open fire on a high-visibility National Guard patrol around 2:15 pm near 17th and I Street NW.

The location sits just blocks from the White House.

Both Guardsmen were shot in the head and rushed to trauma care facilities, where they remain in critical condition.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the attack was a “heinous act of violence” against federal personnel. “Two of our brave members of the National Guard and Department of War were brazenly attacked,” Patel said. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also described the shooting as “targeted.” Early reports indicated that Lakanwal was not cooperating with investigators, and officials have not identified a motive.

Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said nearby personnel acted immediately when the gunfire started. “A suspect came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged it at the National Guard members,” Carroll said. After what he described as “some back and forth,” Guardsmen and responding officers returned fire and subdued the shooter within moments. Lakanwal was transported to a hospital for treatment.