Washington DC shooting: Trump demands immigration crackdown after ‘terror’ attack that left guardsmen critical

Several people have been shot in downtown Washington, DC — including two members of the US National Guard — with President Donald Trump condemning the attack as “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror.”

Mr Trump described the shooting as a crime against “the entire nation” and a “crime against humanity,” offering his condolences to those injured in the ambush.

He also turned his focus to the suspect now in custody, claiming the man entered the United States under the Biden administration. The US President then called for the removal of “any alien from any country that does not add benefit” to America.

Mr Trump confirmed he has deployed an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington to “make America safe again.”

The Trump administration has now paused the processing of all immigration applications for Afghan nationals, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announcing that it is enacting an indefinite pause on the processing of all immigration applications filed by Afghan nationals.

“Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols,” the USCIS statement.

“The protections and safety of our homeland and of the American people remain our singular focus and mission.”

Jeff Carroll, the executive assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, described the shooting as an ambush attack in a heavily populated area in the city.

Mr Carroll said the troops were on “high visibility patrols” when the suspect walked around a corner around 2.15pm, raised a firearm and then shot the two National Guard members.

Initially, the two National Guardsmen involved in the attack were announced dead by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey; however, he has since provided an update on social media, saying he is “now receiving conflicting reports” about the condition of the two National Guard members who were shot.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is “engaged and assisting” with the investigation into the shooting.

“Please pray for them, and we will update with more information as we are able,” Mr Patel said.

The gunman has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal a 29-year-old Afghan national. The suspect reportedly used a handgun to carry out the attack.

One of the wounded National Guardsmen can be seen being transferred into a helicopter, reportedly in a critical condition.

Members of the Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the US Marshals were also reported to be involved and on the scene.

A law enforcement source and an official familiar with early briefings said multiple casualties were reported after 10-15 shots of gunfire erupted in the heart of the capital.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said US President Donald Trump has directed him to ask the Secretary of the Army to send 500 additional National Guard troops to DC after the shooting.

Mr Hegseth condemned the shooting and said, “We will never back down. We will secure our capital.”

The suspect was shot four times and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, and is now in police custody, sources told CBS News. Officials believe there are no other suspects involved in this incident.

Mr Trump condemned the attack on Truth Social, writing: “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. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement.”

It has been reported that shots were fired starting near the Farragut Metro Station, senior law enforcement officials say. There is no known connection to the White House at this time, though the incident occurred just blocks from the North Lawn.

Law enforcement sources have described the shooting as “intentional and targeted” and at this stage, it is unclear if the suspect engaged with the National Guard troops before opening fire.