Florida

US President Donald Trump condemned the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, describing it as an act of terror and promising immediate and decisive action. He said information from Homeland Security indicated that the suspect in custody is an Afghan national.

Speaking from Florida, Trump said that the two West Virginia National Guard personnel were attacked at close range near the White House in what he called a brutal, ambush style assault. He said the attack was a crime against the nation and expressed solidarity with the injured guards and their families.

Trump added that the country was grieving yet filled with anger and determination. As President, he said he would ensure that the person responsible faces the harshest punishment. He claimed that Homeland Security believed the suspect entered the United States from Afghanistan, which he described as a troubled region.

He further alleged that the suspect had been flown into the country during the Biden administration in 2021 and that his status had been extended under legislation signed during that period. Trump said the incident highlighted what he called a major threat to national security and claimed the previous administration had admitted millions of unknown foreigners into the country.

Trump said the United States would now review all individuals who entered from Afghanistan during the Biden administration and remove anyone who, in his words, does not contribute to or respect the country. He stated that America would not tolerate attacks on law and order by people who should not be in the country.

He also announced that he had directed the Department of War to deploy an additional five hundred troops to strengthen security in the capital, saying the nation would be made safe again and that justice would be delivered to the attacker unless he had already been incapacitated during the incident.

Trump said the two Guards were performing their duty when they were shot in what he called a savage attack and urged the public to keep them in their prayers during Thanksgiving.

According to CBS News, the suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a twenty nine year old Afghan citizen who entered the United States in 2021. Law enforcement officials believe he acted alone.

READ MORE: How Mohammed Ali Khalid became global face of Indian Scouts and Guides Movement

Earlier on Wednesday local time, the two West Virginia Guardsmen were shot in Washington DC. They returned fire at the suspect, who was detained and taken away on a stretcher. Their medical condition has not been disclosed, according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.