Gunman Wounds Two National Guard Soldiers Near White House

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured in a shooting incident near the White House on November 27, 2025. The shooting occurred around 14:15 local time while the guardsmen, aged 24 and 20, were conducting a “high-visibility patrol” near the entrance to the Farragut West station subway. The assailant, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, opened fire, prompting a swift response from other National Guard personnel who subdued him.

Both injured soldiers have undergone surgery and remain in critical condition, according to federal authorities overseeing the investigation. The case is now being treated as a potential act of terrorism. Law enforcement officials stated that Lakanwal acted alone and had traveled from Washington state to Washington, D.C., specifically to carry out the attack. He entered the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program and has no prior criminal record. Notably, he has a history of assisting U.S. intelligence agencies during the conflict in Afghanistan.

Immediate Government Response

In response to the attack, the federal government has implemented several immediate measures. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused all new immigration applications from Afghan nationals indefinitely while a comprehensive review of vetting and security protocols is conducted. Additionally, the White House has ordered the deployment of 500 extra National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., increasing the total to more than 2,000. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly as the deployment faces legal challenges from local city officials.

President Trump, addressing the nation, expressed solidarity with the injured soldiers and their families, stating, “The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginia National Guard… We will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice.”

Heightened Security Concerns

Local leaders characterized the shooting as a “targeted attack,” raising alarms as the holiday season approaches and tourism intensifies in the nation’s capital. The incident has ignited discussions around domestic troop deployments, immigration policy, and overall public safety.

As authorities continue their investigation, they have not yet disclosed a motive for Lakanwal’s actions. The situation remains fluid as additional details emerge, highlighting the ongoing challenges related to national security and the safety of personnel operating within high-profile areas.