Two members of the West Virginia National Guard remain in critical condition after a targeted ambush-style shooting just blocks from the White House, an incident that has shaken Washington, D.C., and raised urgent national-security questions. The attack occurred Wednesday afternoon as the Guardsmen were conducting routine support duties near Farragut Square, an area typically under heavy security.
The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, opened fire with a handgun at close range. Responding personnel exchanged fire, wounding him. Lakanwal surrendered and was taken into custody.
Initial confusion led to reports that the Guardsmen had died, but state officials later retracted the statement, confirming both victims are alive but critically injured.
Details About the Suspect
Federal officials have now confirmed several new pieces of information:
- Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 during the large-scale evacuation following the fall of Kabul.
- He applied for asylum in late 2024, and his asylum status was approved in April 2025.
- In response to the attack, the federal government has paused immigration and asylum processing for Afghan nationals pending a full review of vetting procedures.
Authorities are combing through Lakanwal’s digital and social-media footprint, his asylum paperwork, and his known contacts both in the U.S. and abroad as part of an expanded federal probe.
The Shooting and Rapid Response
Eyewitnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire in a normally quiet government district. Uniformed Guardsmen were reportedly the intended targets, according to preliminary federal assessments.
Secret Service, Metropolitan Police, and National Guard personnel responded within seconds, forming perimeters, locking down several nearby streets, and securing the White House’s extended security zone. Surveillance video recovered from the area is now playing a major role in reconstructing the attack.
The handgun used in the shooting has been recovered and is undergoing ballistic analysis.
Federal Terrorism Investigation Launched
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now officially treating the attack as a possible act of terrorism, though the bureau has cautioned that no definitive motive has yet been established. Investigators are exploring whether Lakanwal acted alone, was radicalized online, or maintained any extremist affiliations.
A federal security official stated that the next 48–72 hours will be critical as agencies analyze digital devices, messaging apps, travel history, and communication logs tied to the suspect.
Political Shockwaves and Security Escalation
The shooting has triggered significant political fallout!
President Donald Trump addressed the nation shortly after the incident, deploying 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., citing the need for heightened security while investigations continue.
He also ordered a comprehensive review of all Afghan immigrants admitted under the previous administration, saying vetting procedures must be re-evaluated in light of the attack.
The President said:
“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.”
Members of both major political parties also offered condolences, emphasizing that national security, support for military families, and responsible communication must be prioritized in the aftermath.
Reactions from Afghan Figures and Communities
Prominent Afghan leaders and diaspora voices have urged Americans not to generalize blame:
Former Afghan intelligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil said:
“One individual’s crime must not be used to stigmatize millions who sought safety with dignity. Afghans who came to the United States did so to build lives, not to destroy them.”
Afghan-American community organizations issued similar statements, expressing grief for the wounded Guardsmen and urging restraint against stereotyping.
Impact on the West Virginia Guard and Their Families
The West Virginia National Guard confirmed that both soldiers remain in critical condition and are receiving continuous medical support. Military chaplains, mental-health teams, and family-assistance officers have been deployed to support their families.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice called the shooting “a tragic and unacceptable act of violence,” pledging full state support and urging the nation to stand behind the victims.
Across the state, churches and community centers have organized prayer gatherings as residents await further medical updates.
A Nation Awaits Clarity
With the scene secured and the suspect in custody, federal agencies are now focused on uncovering the motive, understanding how the attacker slipped through security, and determining whether broader networks are involved.
Although officials say there is no ongoing threat, the symbolic location of the attack within blocks of the White House has amplified national concern.
As the FBI continues its investigation, more updates are expected in the coming days. For now, the nation stands united in concern for the injured Guardsmen and in search of answers to a deeply unsettling act of violence in the heart of the nation’s capital.
