Two National Guard Members Shot in Washington DC — President Donald Trump Responds

An incident near the White House prompts a federal investigation and a presidential response, after uniformed personnel come under unexpected gunfire.

In a chilling daylight attack just blocks from the White House, two National Guard members were gunned down in a brazen shooting that has shaken the nation's capital. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now probing the incident as a potential act of terrorism, and President Donald Trump has responded with fury.

Gunman Opens Fire Near Farragut Square

The shooting unfolded just before 2:30 p.m. near Farragut Square Park, two blocks north of the White House. According to police, a man approached the guardsmen, turned a corner, and opened fire without warning.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the incident as a "targeted attack," and FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that one guard had died and the other remains in critical condition at a separate hospital.

Suspect Taken Alive as FBI Investigates Terrorism Motive

The shooter — 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal — was taken into custody shortly before 3 p.m., near the scene of the ambush. NBC News reported that Lakanwal is an Afghan national who was last known to be living in Washington state.

In a new twist, CNN later revealed that Lakanwal immigrated to the U.S. in 2021, applied for asylum in 2024, and was granted protected status earlier this year. His identity was initially confirmed through fingerprint records, though additional verification is still underway.

Authorities said Lakanwal used a handgun in the shooting. The FBI is now leading the investigation, which is being treated as a possible terrorism case. Officials believe he acted alone.

Police quickly secured the scene at 17th and I Streets NW, and confirmed via social media just before 3 p.m. that the suspect was in custody.

Donald Trump Reacts, Orders Troop Reinforcements

Trump issued a strongly worded statement on Truth Social, "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price."

Trump expressed deep admiration for the National Guard, military, and law enforcement, calling them "Great People" and offering unwavering support for himself and the presidency. But Trump didn't stop there.

Following his statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the president had ordered the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. The move, Hegseth said, was to reinforce security and ensure the capital remains "safe and beautiful."

A U.S. official told CBS News that the Army had received the request and was working to fulfill it as quickly as possible.

The reinforcements will join the 2,200 troops already stationed in the District — including 900 from the D.C. National Guard and more than 1,200 from other states, according to the Joint Task Force – District of Columbia. It is still unclear when the additional units will arrive or which states they will come from.

Leaders Speak Out After D.C. Guard Shooting

In the aftermath of the attack, both local and national leaders voiced support. Bowser, in a statement on X, strongly condemned the attack.

She called it a deliberate and unacceptable act of violence, confirmed that the suspect was in custody, and said he would face serious legal consequences. She also shared her concern for the injured Guardsmen and offered support to their families.

Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden also responded on the same platform. He and former First Lady Jill Biden said they were deeply saddened by the shooting. Biden called the attack unacceptable, urged the country to remain united, and offered prayers for the wounded service members and their loved ones.

The incident in Washington isn't the only recent case drawing national attention. In New York City, another shooting left a professional athlete fighting for his life.

As reported on November 18, the New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd lies in critical condition after a horrifying 2 a.m. shooting on the pavement of West 38th Street. And now, thanks to surveillance images, the NYPD believes it may be one step closer to unraveling the mystery.

Chilling Image Shows Man in Black Moments Before Violence

The NYPD continues to search for a man caught on surveillance cameras near the area shortly before the shooting.

Dressed head-to-toe in black, including a cap, sweatshirt, pants, and backpack — with only his multi-colored sneakers breaking the monochrome, the man was photographed in the neighborhood prior to the chaos.

That same man was captured fleeing the scene just seconds after the deadly shots rang out. In one image, the man appears to be smiling. Police have not stated what role, if any, he played in the incident — but they are begging the public to help identify the mystery man, who may be either the shooter or a crucial witness.

Screams, Chaos, Then Gunfire

In a short but alarming video that surfaced online Monday morning, a vicious street brawl erupts before two sudden gunshots tear through the dark. Panic erupts. People scatter in every direction.

Authorities believe one of the bullets struck 29-year-old Boyd in the abdomen, moments after he left upscale Midtown restaurant Sei Less, where he'd been dining with friends.

Boyd reportedly told police he sensed tension inside and stepped out — a decision that may have saved others' lives, but cost him dearly. As of Monday, he remains in critical but stable condition.

Witnesses Go Silent, Restaurant Stonewalls Cops

What made this high-profile case even more baffling? Witnesses initially clammed up — and Sei Less, just steps from where the bloodshed unfolded, refused to cooperate, denying NYPD access to its internal surveillance footage.

Police have confirmed no arrests and no motive, and it's still not known whether Boyd was targeted or caught in the crossfire. The motive is still under investigation.

As we had previously reported, on November 16, the Jets player suffered a gunshot wound. Video footage captured moments after the 29-year-old NFL star was shot has surfaced online, showing the immediate police and first responder presence at the scene that is now cordoned off.

Gunfire Outside Celebrity-Favorite Sei Less Shakes Midtown

According to law enforcement and sources close to the scene, the incident unfolded shortly after 2 a.m. just outside the well-known Midtown Asian-fusion hotspot frequented by celebrities and nightlife regulars.

Though police initially did not identify the victim's name, multiple sources later confirmed that the man struck by gunfire was in fact Boyd. He had reportedly been standing with a group of friends outside the upscale venue when an argument broke out.

Law enforcement sources told The Post that the dispute quickly turned volatile, ending in two shots being fired.

One of those bullets struck Boyd in the abdomen, sending the 5-foot-11 defensive back collapsing to the pavement. It remains unclear whether Boyd was the intended target.

Witnesses on the scene have been uncooperative with investigators, leaving authorities with limited firsthand accounts of what sparked the confrontation or who may have been involved.

However, dramatic images captured in the aftermath show a Rhino GX — a luxury armored SUV valued at up to $300,000 — parked near the cordoned-off area as police swarmed the scene.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Boyd joined the Jets this year after previous stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Houston Texans.

Boyd has yet to play a snap this season. Despite his sidelined status, he remains a part of the team's roster, having signed a $1.6 million contract for 2025.