Two National Guard Soldiers Wounded in Shooting Near White House

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were seriously injured on November 27, 2025, during a shooting incident just blocks from the White House. The attack occurred around 14:15 local time while the guardsmen, aged 24 and 20, were on a “high-visibility patrol” near the entrance to the Farragut West subway station.

Law enforcement identified the shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program. He acted alone, according to authorities, who are now treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. Both soldiers underwent surgery and remain in critical condition, as confirmed by federal officials managing the investigation.

Reports indicate that Lakanwal drove from his residence in Washington state to Washington, D.C., to carry out the attack. Despite his recent actions, he had no prior criminal record and was known for assisting U.S. intelligence agencies during the conflict in Afghanistan. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting.

Federal Response to the Incident

In the wake of the attack, the federal government has implemented immediate measures. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has suspended all new immigration applications from Afghan nationals indefinitely, pending a thorough review of vetting and security protocols. Additionally, the White House has ordered the deployment of 500 more National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., raising the total presence to over 2,000 soldiers. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly as the deployment faces legal challenges from local officials.

In a statement, President Trump expressed solidarity with the wounded guardsmen and their families. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring safety, stating, “The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginia National Guard and their families. We will make America totally safe again, and we will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice.”

Concerns About Security and Public Safety

Local leaders have characterized the shooting as a “targeted attack.” The timing of the incident, coinciding with the influx of holiday tourists in the capital, has raised significant concerns regarding public safety and security measures. This shooting has prompted discussions about the implications of domestic troop deployments and the broader context of immigration policy in the United States.

As the investigation continues and more details emerge, the incident has already sparked intense scrutiny and dialogue about national security and the protection of those serving in the military. The community is left grappling with the implications of this violent act and the measures necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.