Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded Wednesday afternoon in a “targeted” shooting near the White House complex in Washington, D.C., law enforcement confirmed.

The suspected gunman was detained after sustaining gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire.

Authorities identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States under the 2021 “Operation Allies Welcome” refugee resettlement programme and was granted asylum earlier this year.

He allegedly opened fire without warning near Farragut West Metro station — just a few blocks from the seat of U.S. government — striking both Guard members.

Other National Guard personnel at the scene quickly responded and subdued the assailant.

The incident prompted a strong reaction from Donald Trump, who condemned the shooting as “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” calling for a thorough review of asylum-entry procedures and ordering an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington.

The president framed the attack as a national security breach tied to insufficient vetting of Afghan entrants under the previous administration.

Authorities are investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism.

While no formal motive has been publicly confirmed, the rapid official classification underscores the gravity of the attack and the sensitivity of the target location.

Both injured Guard members were rushed to local hospitals.

Their names have not been released.

The suspect remains hospitalised under guard.

A full security review is underway amid heightened concern about the safety of U.S. capital patrols and the broader resettlement vetting system.