Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 27: Former US President Barack Obama has strongly denounced the recent shooting in downtown Washington, calling it a reminder that “violence has no place in America.” The attack left two national guardsmen critically injured. US media have identified the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021.

In a message posted on X, Obama expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, noting the particular tragedy of such an incident occurring during the holiday season. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also offered her condolences, urging collective condemnation of violence in any form.

President Donald Trump, addressing the nation on Wednesday night, labelled the shooting “an act of terror,” describing it as a crime against the nation as a whole. He blamed the previous administration for permitting the suspect to enter the country under refugee status and pledged to reassess all Afghan nationals who arrived during that period. Trump further announced the deployment of an additional 500 troops to bolster security in the capital.

The shooting occurred less than 500 metres from the White House, though Trump was away in Florida for Thanksgiving. FBI director Kash Patel stated that the attack would be handled at the federal level, given that it targeted federal law enforcement personnel.

In recent months, multiple states have dispatched National Guard units to Washington as part of the administration’s public-safety initiative, which has since expanded to major cities nationwide. Approximately 2,400 Guardsmen are currently stationed in the capital, including nearly 1,000 from the DC National Guard and around 1,300 from other states.