DC shooting update: Unarmed National Guardsman stabbed 'Afghan national' suspect with pocket knife- Report

During a DC shooting that critically injured two Guardsmen, another unarmed Guardsman stabbed the suspect. The suspect was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

Updated on: Nov 27, 2025, 08:02:05 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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Amid the shooting in Washington DC on Wednesday that critically injured two National Guardsmen deployed, the heroic act of another National Guardsman to contain the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, and ensure his capture by the police is being reported.

Muriel Bowser, mayor of the District of Columbia, speaks during a news conference at the scene of a shooting in Washington, DC. (Bloomberg)

According to reports, while the shooter attacked two national guardsmen in DC, two other guardsmen posted nearby responded to it. One of the responding gunmen, reportedly unarmed, managed to stab the suspect with a pocketknife.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect has been identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national. Meanwhile, the shooting is being investigated as a possible act of national terrorism, with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called it a “targeted act.”

How The DC Shooting Happened

Details have not emerged on how the shooting in Washington DC unfolded on Wednesday afternoon. CNN reported that the shooter first approached one of the National Guardsmen and shot him in the head from a few feet away.

Another National Guardsman, who was with the first victim, took shelter behind a nearby stop. However, the shooter tracked him down also shot him in the head.

He was then attacked by the other two National Guardsmen - one with a pocketknife, then the other with a gun. Eventually, they were able to hold him down by injuring him critically.

Also read: Rahmanullah Lakanwal: DC National Guard shooting suspect's alleged social media account emerges

"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," President Donald Trump said reacting to the shooting.

"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!"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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