Former US President Barack Obama has condemned violence in America following a shooting incident near the White House. Obama expressed his thoughts and prayers for the service members injured in Washington, DC, and extended his support to their families during the holiday season.
The suspected shooter, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal who arrived in the US in 2021, was involved in the incident. Current US President Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, also addressed the attack on social media, vowing that the perpetrator would face severe consequences.
Police officials, including executive assistant DC police chief Jeffrey Carroll, reported that the motive behind the shooting remains unknown. The two guards who were shot while on duty are in critical condition in the hospital, as confirmed by FBI director Kash Patel.
The shooting occurred close to the White House and led to a swift response from nearby troops who managed to subdue the gunman. The presence of the National Guard in Washington, DC, has sparked debates over the administration’s handling of public safety issues.
Videos shared on social media captured first responders providing medical aid to the injured guards at the scene. The National Guard’s deployment in the capital, which was extended by some members until the end of the year, has been a subject of legal and policy discussions.
Following an emergency order issued by Trump in August that federalized the local police force and called in National Guard troops, a federal judge recently ordered the end of the deployment. However, the order is currently on hold for further legal proceedings.
The National Guard members have been actively involved in various security tasks in the city, ranging from patrolling neighborhoods and railway stations to participating in community events.