The shooting unfolded on Wednesday afternoon in central Washington, D.C., when a gunman opened fire on two uniformed National Guard soldiers conducting routine foot patrol several blocks from the White House. Authorities described the attack as targeted and deliberate, prompting an immediate security lockdown in the area.

Witnesses reported chaos around the Farragut West Metro station as gunfire sent pedestrians scattering. Police confirmed that both soldiers, a man and a woman assigned to the West Virginia National Guard, sustained life-threatening injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

The gunman, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended after attempting to flee the scene. Officials say he was wounded during his arrest and remains under guard while receiving medical attention. Investigators are reviewing his background, including his entry into the United States in 2021 after evacuations from Afghanistan.

Authorities have not yet announced a motive, but federal agencies are treating the case with heightened scrutiny given the location of the attack and the nature of the target. The Department of Homeland Security said it is working with the FBI, local law enforcement and military investigators to determine whether the shooting had ideological or terror-related elements.

The attack has already prompted political reaction, with the Trump administration ordering a temporary freeze on new immigration processing for Afghan evacuees pending a review of security vetting procedures. Congressional leaders from both parties have called for updates from homeland security officials as the investigation develops.

The area surrounding the White House and downtown federal buildings saw increased patrols following the incident, though officials emphasized that there is no broader threat to the public at this time.

The identities of the injured soldiers have not yet been released, and their condition remains critical.