US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has described the Afghan suspect accused of wounding two US National Guard members near the White House as a “radical Islamist terrorist,” saying all aspects of the case are under investigation.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Gabbard said authorities were coordinating closely to complete the inquiry. She wrote that her “heartfelt prayers” were with the two West Virginia National Guard members who “will not be at home with their loved ones this Thanksgiving Day.”
Gabbard said President Donald Trump’s directive to conduct stringent background checks on individuals who entered the United States during President Joe Biden’s administration was being implemented. She added that “truth and justice must prevail.”
The shooting suspect, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was wounded and arrested after ambushing the two soldiers. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, though a motive has not yet been established.
