The Washington, D.C. National Guard shooting suspect actually drove across the country from Washington state to carry out the attack, officials said during a news conference.
In providing an update on the horrific attack, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro first made it clear that everyone's hearts go out to the victims and their families. Two victims are currently in critical condition.
The suspect in the attack was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan citizen. worked with the CIA as a member of partner forces in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and arrived in the country as part of former President Joe Biden's Operation Allies Welcome following what Pirro called the “catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan.”
“A lone gunman opened fire without provocation, ambush-style, armed with a .357-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver. The Guardsman is hit, falls, and then the shooter bends down and strikes the Guardsman again,” she said, describing the attack. “Another Guardsman was hit multiple times. Fellow Guardsmen present immediately responded by engaging the suspect, neutralizing the threat and subduing him on the spot.”
“He was transported to a local hospital where we say he remains under heavy guard. Thanks to the quick and coordinated response of the National Guard and the Metropolitan Police Department, no victims were injured and the scene was secured within minutes,” she said, providing more details about the suspect, who she said lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and who they believe are his five children.
“We are working very closely with our federal partners, especially DHS and the FBI, to review his immigration history and the vetting process,” she said, adding that the suspect traveled across the country specifically to carry out the attack.
“What we know about him is that he drove his vehicle across the country from Washington State with the intention of coming to our nation's capital,” Pirro said.
She said:
Today, as we stand here, the charges that are now appropriate include three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed…he will also be charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He faces 15 years in prison for assault with intent to murder. We intend to continue to monitor what charges will be based on the well-being of the Guardsmen. We pray that they survive and that the most severe charge is not first degree murder.
FBI Director Kash Patel added that the federal investigation is ongoing and search warrants have been executed, including at the suspect's last known residence in Washington state.
“A search warrant for this home was executed last night or early this morning and that process is ongoing,” Patel said. “All people found in the house have been interviewed and some interviews are ongoing. We will not stop until we have interviewed each and every person associated with the property, the house and every part of his life.”
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