“Suspect From Afghanistan”: Trump Calls Washington Shooting ‘Act of Terror’; Two National Guardsmen Critical

Trump Labels Incident “Act of Terror”

In a late-night briefing, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it:

“A heinous assault, an act of evil… an act of terror and a crime against humanity.”

Trump claimed the suspect was an Afghan national who entered the United States during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation, criticizing former President Joe Biden for his administration’s handling of the airlift.

“The suspect came from Afghanistan — a hellhole — and was flown in by the Biden administration,” Trump said, vowing to re-evaluate all Afghan entrants admitted during that period.

He added that the attacker would “pay a very steep price.”

Suspect Identified as Afghan Migrant

Law enforcement sources identified the alleged gunman as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan evacuee who arrived in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome following the Kabul withdrawal. He was resettled in Bellingham, Washington, before relocating to the East Coast.

Lakanwal was shot multiple times by responding security personnel and transported to a hospital — reportedly nearly unclothed, after being subdued and disarmed on the pavement.

Police say he acted alone, and a motive has not yet been established. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism.

Trump Orders Additional Troops

Following the attack, Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard members into Washington, intensifying the administration’s expanding anti-crime deployment across several Democratic-run cities.

The move — part of Trump’s controversial federal troop strategy — has drawn both public support and legal challenges from local leaders who accuse the administration of overreach.

On X (formerly Twitter), Trump wrote:

“God bless our Great National Guard, our Military, and Law Enforcement. We are with you!”

Growing Questions Over Security and Vetting

The attack has reignited debate over vetting procedures for Afghan evacuees admitted after the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021.
While investigations continue, authorities stress that the actions of an individual should not be generalized to entire migrant communities.

FBI officials confirmed that full background checks and digital forensics are underway to understand the suspect’s motivations and any possible affiliations.

City on Alert but No Broader Threat Found

Washington officials have confirmed there is no active threat to the public. Increased patrols remain in place across federal buildings and transit hubs.

Mayor Bowser urged calm, saying:

“This was a tragic and targeted act, but our city remains safe. We are supporting the families of the injured soldiers and working closely with federal partners.”

As the investigation progresses, the shooting continues to fuel political debate nationally, while communities wait for updates on the condition of the wounded Guardsmen.