Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House; Afghan Suspect in Custody

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded Wednesday afternoon in a targeted shooting just two blocks from the White House, forcing an immediate lockdown across the area and triggering a major federal investigation. The attack unfolded at around 2:15 p.m. near the entrance to the Farragut West Metro station, a busy corridor filled with office workers and holiday travelers.

Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Jeffery Carroll said the suspect “came around the corner and immediately began firing at guard members,” adding that he “raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard.” First responders rushed to the scene, where footage showed CPR being performed on one soldier while officers detained a man on the sidewalk covered in broken glass.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “this is a targeted shooting,” and that the attacker “appeared to target the guard members.” Emergency medical crews transported the two soldiers and the gunman to nearby hospitals, where officials say both Guardsmen remain in critical condition. National Guard members at the scene “were able to subdue the individual and bring them into custody” after an initial exchange, officials said.

Authorities identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021. Federal officials confirmed that the FBI is investigating the shooting as a possible act of international terrorism, assessing whether Lakanwal may have been inspired by an overseas organization. 

President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night, calling the shooting a “monstrous, ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House.” He added, “This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terror.” Trump said the two Guardsmen had been attacked “at point blank range,” describing the shooting as “a crime against our entire nation” and “a crime against humanity.”

The president linked the attack to national security concerns surrounding immigration from Afghanistan. “We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden,” Trump said, calling the incident “the single greatest national security threat facing our nation.”

Shortly after his remarks, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it was halting the processing of immigration requests from Afghanistan pending a review of “security and vetting protocols.”

Vice President JD Vance addressed the shooting during a visit to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. “We still don’t know the motive,” Vance said. “What we do know is that a couple of National Guardsmen were injured in the line of duty.” He urged Americans to pray for the two soldiers, saying he hoped they would be able to spend Thanksgiving with their families.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that Trump directed him to ask the Army secretary to send an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington. “This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful,” Hegseth said. He called the attack “a cowardly, dastardly act targeting the best of America.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the suspect “was one of the many unvetted, mass paroled into the United States under Operation Allies Welcome on September 8, 2021, under the Biden Administration.” She added, “I will not utter this depraved individual’s name. He should be starved of the glory he so desperately wants.”

Messages of support also came from Israel. President Isaac Herzog expressed “deep sorrow,” saying, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our greatest friend and ally, the United States of America.” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he was “shocked and deeply saddened,” adding that Israel stands “in solidarity with the United States, the American people and President Donald Trump.”

Authorities say the investigation remains active as federal agents review the suspect’s background, digital activity, and possible international connections. Both wounded Guardsmen continue to receive treatment as Washington heightens security.