President Donald Trump on Thursday condemned a shooting near the White House that left two members of the National Guard critically wounded and vowed that the suspect, an Afghan national, would face “severe punishment.”
In a video address following the attack, Trump described the shooting as a “heinous crime” and called the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, “an animal” who would “pay a very steep price.” The suspect was wounded during the incident and remains in custody.
“As we grieve for those who were shot, we are also filled with righteous anger and strong resolve,” Trump said. “As President of the United States, I am determined to ensure that the individual who committed this crime receives the harshest possible penalty.”
Trump also described Afghanistan as “hell on earth” and criticized the Biden administration for allowing Afghan evacuees to enter the United States after the 2021 withdrawal from Kabul. He said the Department of Homeland Security had confirmed that the suspect was brought to the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the program established to resettle Afghan nationals who had supported US forces.
“We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden,” Trump said. “We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or contribute to our nation.”
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump added: “God bless our great National Guard and all of our military and law enforcement. These are truly great people. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you.”
The FBI is investigating the shooting, which occurred Wednesday near Farragut Square in downtown Washington, D.C., as a possible act of terrorism. Officials said the two guardsmen remain hospitalized in critical condition.
