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

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

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

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)
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!"

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics also realtime updates on Indonesia ferry fire.
Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics also realtime updates on Indonesia ferry fire.
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