AFP, Washington

The FBI yesterday said it was launching a full-scale terror probe after a gunman carried out what officials described as an “ambush style” attack near the White House, shooting two National Guard soldiers multiple times with a revolver.

The young soldiers shot Wednesday remained in critical condition.

The shooter was identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who worked with US forces in his country during the war against the Taliban.

The shooter faces charges of assault with intent to kill, and if the guardsmen die he will face first-degree murder charges, US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jean Pirro told a news conference.