Investigators have reviewed video footage showing the assailant suddenly emerging and opening fire on the troops. The 29-year-old suspect was apprehended by other National Guard members present at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds during the confrontation. These injuries are reportedly not life-threatening, according to law enforcement officials. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, a program established by the Biden administration to resettle tens of thousands of Afghans following the withdrawal of U.S. forces. This initiative brought many individuals who had collaborated with U.S. personnel, including interpreters and translators, to safety. Lakanwal’s family reports he served a decade in the Afghan army, including time with U.S. Special Forces in Kandahar, before his arrival in the U.S. in September 2021.

The incident has ignited political debate, with Republicans intensifying their criticism of the vetting procedures for Afghan refugees admitted under the current administration. President Trump commented on the suspect’s arrival via “infamous flights” from Afghanistan. While the Operation Allies Welcome program has faced scrutiny regarding vetting and admission rates, supporters maintain it offers a crucial escape for those facing threats from the Taliban. Authorities are working to ascertain Lakanwal’s full background, including his prior residence in Washington state, to determine the motive for the shooting.

Trump had hinted on Friday that he was eyeing Chicago. He said that there was disorder in Chicago, and they have an unqualified mayor, a very unqualified one, and we may fix that next time. Trump also mentioned the names of other cities he wanted to ‘clean up.’ Officials involved in the matter say that the plan for military intervention in Chicago has been in the works for a long time. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is working with the city to search for illegal immigrants.

Mayors and state governors have strongly criticized Trump’s statements about taking over cities. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said that Trump is trying to spread chaos. Pritzker said that Trump used Los Angeles and Washington D.C. as testing grounds for authoritarian encroachment and is now thinking about taking over other states and cities. The Governor added that Trump’s goal is to create fear among people and destabilize current public safety efforts, and he is misusing his power. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed serious concern over Trump’s statements and future plans, saying that the President’s perspective is wrong and full of sophistry.

President Trump has used the 1970 Home Rule Act to deploy the National Guard in Washington D.C. This gives the President the authority to take control of the city’s police for up to 48 hours in an emergency. If the President informs the parliamentary committees that make laws related to Washington D.C., police control can be maintained for a longer period. However, it is not yet clear whether Trump has given this formal notice. According to the rule, if control over the city is to be maintained for more than 30 days, it is necessary to pass a law in Parliament.

The rally began at Dupont Circle. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Shame on You” and “Trump Must Go.” They demanded an end to Trump’s order declaring a crime emergency. Demonstrators marched towards the White House, continuing their chants while officers from the D.C. Metropolitan Police observed from a distance.

Following Trump’s announcement to bring the Washington police under federal control, all 800 National Guard soldiers sent to Washington D.C. have now been fully deployed, the Pentagon confirmed on Thursday. These guards are working to curb crime.

Why were the National Guard deployed?

On August 11th, President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in the nation’s capital and vowed to make its streets safe again. To restore safety, Trump deployed the National Guard. The National Guard is now playing a major role, working with federal and local law enforcement to enforce existing laws and remove violent criminals from the streets.

Trump stated, “I believe there is no more important job for this department than to ensure the safety of our nation’s capital, working alongside federal law enforcement partners and local police.”

How long will the guards be deployed?

Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said, all 800 Army and Air Force Guards are deployed as part of Joint Task Force DC and are now present in our capital. Wilson said the National Guard will “assist the DC Metropolitan Police Department and federal law enforcement colleagues in securing monuments, community safety patrols, federal facilities and officers,” and at traffic control checkpoints. Wilson stated that the guards would remain deployed until law and order are restored in the district, as determined by the President.

How many people were subject to action?

President Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard on Monday. While this move has garnered support from some conservatives, critics cite the DC Metropolitan Police data, which shows a significant decline in violent crimes in 2024 – including murder and assault.

It is the first time since 1965 that a President has deployed the National Guard against the wishes of the state governor. Most National Guard forces are accountable to state governors and must be “federalized” to be brought under presidential control, but in Washington, these soldiers already report only to the US President. The White House said 45 arrests were made in Washington last night, of which 29 were of people illegally residing in the country, and more than 1,650 people are now involved in the law enforcement operation.

Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said on Thursday that the National Guard, while assisting law enforcement, will be able to temporarily detain people but will not have the power to arrest them.