Full Breakdown
Shooting of National Guard Members Near the White House
11/27/2025, 8:27:51 PM
Incident Overview
On November 26, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured in a shooting incident near the White House, described by officials as a targeted ambush. The attack occurred around 2:15 PM at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, close to Farragut Square, while the soldiers were conducting high-visibility patrols as part of a deployment ordered by President Donald Trump. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was taken into custody after being shot during the incident.
Details of the Attack
According to law enforcement, Lakanwal approached the guardsmen and opened fire, striking both before one of the soldiers returned fire. The female soldier was hit first, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, while the male soldier was shot in the neck. Other guardsmen quickly intervened, subduing the suspect until law enforcement arrived. Both injured guardsmen were transported to local hospitals, where they remain in critical condition.
Background of the Suspect
Rahmanullah Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to resettle Afghan nationals who assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan conflict. He had reportedly worked with the CIA and had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Following the shooting, President Trump emphasized the need to review the immigration status of Afghan nationals admitted under the Biden administration.
Official Responses
President Trump condemned the attack, labeling it a "monstrous ambush-style attack" and an act of terror. He stated, “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen... will pay a very steep price.” Trump also announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., to bolster security in the wake of the incident. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser characterized the shooting as a targeted attack, while FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that the investigation would consider potential terrorism links.
Criticism and Political Implications
The shooting has reignited debates surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops in urban areas, a move that has faced criticism from local officials and civil rights advocates. The presence of National Guard members in Washington has been contentious, particularly following a federal judge's ruling that deemed the deployment likely illegal. Critics argue that the militarization of urban policing exacerbates tensions and undermines community safety.
Conflicting Reports
Initial reports from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey mistakenly indicated that both guardsmen had died from their injuries. However, he later retracted this statement, acknowledging conflicting information regarding their conditions. As of now, both soldiers remain hospitalized and in critical condition.
What's Next
The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting, which is being treated as a potential act of international terrorism. Authorities are working to determine the suspect's motives and any possible connections to extremist groups. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough review of security protocols regarding Afghan nationals in the U.S. as the nation grapples with the implications of this violent act against military personnel.
