Research suggests an incident occurred on November 26, 2025, in downtown Washington, D.C., where two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in what officials described as a targeted attack just blocks from the White House. The suspect, identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national, was taken into custody after being wounded himself. While early reports varied on the victims’ status, official sources lean toward them being critically injured rather than deceased, amid an ongoing investigation into potential motives like terrorism. This event has sparked discussions on immigration policies and security, with President Trump calling it an “act of terror” and ordering reviews of Afghan entrants, though some emphasize the need for caution against broad generalizations.
Key Points
- Incident Overview: Two uniformed National Guard members were ambushed and shot near 18th and I streets NW, about two blocks from the White House, around 2-3 p.m. ET on November 26, 2025. The area, a busy tourist spot, was quickly secured by law enforcement.
- Victims’ Status: Both service members, deployed to D.C. for anti-crime support, are in critical condition and receiving treatment at separate hospitals. Conflicting social media reports claimed fatalities, but official statements indicate they are alive though severely wounded.
- Suspect Details: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 under a humanitarian parole program, is in custody and severely injured. He previously worked with CIA-backed forces in Afghanistan, and his asylum was granted in 2025.
- Official Responses: President Trump described the shooting as an “act of terror” and stated the suspect “will pay a very steep price,” while ordering a pause on Afghan immigration applications and a review of prior entrants. The FBI is leading the probe, with no confirmed motive yet.
- Broader Context: The attack highlights ongoing debates around vetting processes for refugees, with evidence leaning toward isolated incidents rather than widespread threats, though it has fueled calls for stricter policies.
What Happened
On a typical afternoon in the nation’s capital, gunfire erupted near the White House, targeting two National Guard members who were on duty as part of a deployment to assist with local crime reduction efforts. The shooting, labeled “targeted” by officials, prompted a swift lockdown of the White House and surrounding areas. Law enforcement, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), U.S. Secret Service, and FBI, responded immediately, securing the scene and apprehending the suspect after an exchange of fire.
Suspect and Background
The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had a history of collaboration with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, including work with CIA-partnered units in Kandahar until 2021. He arrived in the U.S. via Operation Allies Welcome, a program for Afghan allies post-withdrawal, and later received asylum. Officials note his green card application was pending, but no prior red flags were mentioned in initial reports.
Reactions and Implications
President Trump, briefed while in Florida for Thanksgiving, posted on Truth Social calling the perpetrator an “animal” and promising severe consequences. He also directed a halt to Afghan immigration processing and a re-examination of all recent Afghan refugees. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel echoed calls for prayers and confirmed the victims’ critical status. On social media, reactions ranged from outrage over security lapses to concerns about stigmatizing immigrant communities.
In the heart of Washington, D.C., an ordinary Wednesday afternoon turned chaotic when shots rang out near one of the most secure locations in the world—the White House. This incident, involving the targeted shooting of two National Guard members, has not only raised immediate concerns about urban security but also reignited broader national conversations on immigration, veteran support, and counterterrorism measures. As details continue to emerge, this article provides a comprehensive overview based on verified reports from official sources, news outlets, and social media, aiming to offer clarity amid the flurry of initial speculation.
The Incident: Timeline and Immediate Aftermath
The shooting occurred between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. ET on November 26, 2025, at the intersection of 18th Street NW and I Street NW, roughly two blocks from the White House and close to the Farragut West Metro station. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots in a busy area filled with tourists and office workers. The victims, two uniformed members of the West Virginia National Guard, were ambushed while on foot patrol as part of an ongoing deployment to bolster local law enforcement against rising crime in the capital.
Responding officers from the MPD engaged the suspect, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left the shooter severely wounded. The White House was placed on a brief lockdown, and nearby streets were cordoned off for hours as investigators processed the scene. No civilians were reported injured, but the proximity to key government buildings prompted a multi-agency response involving the Secret Service, FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Department of Defense.
Initial reports on the victims’ status varied, with some social media posts claiming fatalities—such as claims of “two National Guard confirmed dead”—but official updates from the FBI and hospitals confirmed they were transported to separate facilities in critical condition. Both underwent surgery, and as of November 27, they remained under intensive care.
The Suspect: Background and Potential Motives
Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national residing in the U.S. Lakanwal entered the country on September 8, 2021, under humanitarian parole through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program designed to resettle Afghan allies after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Prior to his arrival, he served with a partner force in Kandahar that collaborated with the CIA and U.S. military until 2021.
His asylum application was approved in April 2025, and he had a pending green card. While no criminal history was immediately disclosed, the FBI is probing possible motives, including terrorism, given his background and the targeted nature of the attack. Some social media speculation linked it to broader geopolitical tensions, but officials urged restraint, noting the investigation is ongoing with no confirmed ties to extremist groups.
Official and Political Responses
President Donald Trump, who was in Palm Beach, Florida, for Thanksgiving, issued a statement on Truth Social shortly after the incident. He referred to the shooting as an “act of terror” and the suspect as an “animal” who “will pay a very steep price,” while extending prayers to the victims, whom he called “truly Great People.” Trump also requested an additional 500 National Guard troops for D.C. and ordered a review of all Afghans who entered under previous administrations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president was briefed and is monitoring the situation. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the event as a “targeted shooting” and called for national prayers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CIA verified Lakanwal’s background, emphasizing his prior U.S. affiliations.
On the social media front, posts amplified the news rapidly. For instance, one user shared: “2 National Guard members were shot and killed near the White House in a targeted attack. The suspect, an Afghan national… raises serious security concerns.” Another noted Trump’s view of it as an “act of terror.” However, some voices, like immigration advocates, cautioned against linking the incident to entire communities, pointing to Lakanwal’s service to the U.S. as a complicating factor.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This attack comes amid heightened security in D.C., with National Guard deployments extended to combat urban crime. It has prompted immediate policy shifts, including a pause on all Afghan immigration applications. Critics argue this could unfairly penalize allies who risked their lives for the U.S., while supporters see it as necessary vetting enhancement.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the probe, examining Lakanwal’s devices and communications for clues. No group has claimed responsibility, and officials have not ruled out mental health or personal grievances as factors, urging the public to await full findings.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 18th St NW & I St NW, Washington, D.C. |
| Victims | Two West Virginia National Guard members; Critical condition post-surgery |
| Suspect | Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, Afghan national; In custody, severely wounded |
| Motive | Under investigation; Possible terrorism links |
| Policy Response | Pause on Afghan immigration; Review of entrants |
| Social Media Reaction | Mixed; Some label “act of terror,” others blame policies |
As the investigation unfolds, this event underscores the complexities of post-conflict resettlement and urban safety. Updates from reliable sources will be crucial in separating fact from speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly happened near the White House on November 26, 2025?
Two uniformed West Virginia National Guard soldiers were ambushed and shot multiple times while on foot patrol at the corner of 17th and I Streets NW in Washington, D.C., approximately two blocks from the White House, around 2:15 p.m. ET.
Are the two National Guard members dead or alive?
Both soldiers are alive but in critical condition. They underwent emergency surgery and remain hospitalized. Early social media rumors claiming they were killed were incorrect.
Who is the shooter?
The suspect is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in September 2021.
How did the suspect enter the United States?
He arrived legally under Operation Allies Welcome, the humanitarian parole program for Afghan allies after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. He was granted asylum in April 2025 and had a pending green card application.
Did the suspect have ties to U.S. forces in Afghanistan?
Yes. He previously worked for nearly a decade with CIA-backed Afghan partner forces in Kandahar province.
Was this classified as a terrorist attack?
President Trump called it an “act of terror,” but the FBI has not officially classified it yet. The investigation, led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, is examining possible terrorism motives among other possibilities.
What weapon was used?
The suspect used a handgun. Between 10–15 shots were fired during the ambush and the subsequent exchange of fire with police.
Why were National Guard troops patrolling downtown D.C.?
They were part of a several-hundred-strong deployment of National Guard members sent to Washington, D.C., in 2025 to conduct high-visibility patrols and help reduce violent crime in the nation’s capital.
What immediate actions did the Trump administration take?
Ordered an indefinite pause on all new Afghan immigration and refugee applications
Directed a full security review of every Afghan who entered the U.S. since 2021
Deployed an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.
Has anyone claimed responsibility or been linked to a larger group?
No. As of November 27, 2025, authorities say the suspect acted alone, and no terrorist organization has claimed responsibility.
