Former US President Barack Obama has condemned the violence near the White House, emphasizing that such acts have no place in the United States. Obama expressed his thoughts and prayers for the service members affected by the shooting incident in Washington, DC, extending his support to their families during the holiday season.
The suspected shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, was involved in the attack. Current President Trump, who was in Florida for Thanksgiving, also addressed the incident on social media. Trump vowed that the perpetrator would face severe consequences for their actions, referring to them as an “animal” and praising the National Guard and law enforcement.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, mentioned that investigators had no clear motive for the attack. The two guards who were shot are in critical condition in the hospital, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The shooting took place near the White House, with nearby troops quickly apprehending the gunman after the incident.
The presence of the National Guard in the capital has sparked debates about the administration’s approach to addressing crime issues. Videos circulating on social media showed first responders providing medical assistance to the injured troops at the scene. The deployment of National Guard members from various states has been a contentious issue, with ongoing discussions about their role in maintaining public safety.
The deployment of National Guard troops was initially extended by a federal judge, allowing time for further legal actions. Despite the order being put on hold, the Guard members have been actively involved in various security and public service tasks in the region. The Trump administration’s decision to federalize local law enforcement and deploy National Guard members has raised questions about the handling of law enforcement in the capital.
