Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were seriously injured on Wednesday afternoon (26th November), after being shot just a few blocks from the White House. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the attack a “targeted shooting,” and FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the guard members were hospitalised in critical condition.
#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "…Earlier today, on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, two members of the National Guard serving in Washington, DC, were shot at point-blank range in a monstrous ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House… This heinous… pic.twitter.com/6GVTX6GFHN
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2025
The Incident and immediate response
The shooting took place near the corner of 17th and I Streets NW, close to a metro station in a high-security area. Reports say the suspect suddenly appeared and opened fire on the National Guard soldiers. Other nearby troops quickly responded, holding down the gunman after he was wounded. A law enforcement official said it is unclear who shot the suspect.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, performing CPR and giving medical attention to the injured soldiers. Social media videos showed the urgent care efforts right after the shooting.
The Suspect Identified
The person arrested at the scene is 29 years old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program that helped resettle Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had been living in Washington state before the attack.
Authorities are still confirming details about the suspect’s background. He used a handgun in the shooting and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A source said he was not cooperating with investigators and had no ID when arrested.
Reactions from Leaders
Former President Donald Trump described the shooting as a crime as an ‘act of terror’ against the whole nation and called for a re-examination of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration. He posted on social media, calling the suspect an “animal” and praising the National Guard and law enforcement for their service.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their heartbreak over the incident and condemned violence. Biden also called on everyone to stay united against attacks like this.
National Guard deployment and security situation
The shooting took place during a time when National Guard troops are more visible in Washington, D.C., and other cities. The Guard was sent to help fight what officials call rising crime, a move that has caused debate and legal battles.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said the injured troops had died, but later corrected himself, saying the reports were unclear. About 2,200 National Guard members are currently working in the capital, with more troops added following the shooting.
Police and agencies like the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were at the scene. Officials say they do not know the motive behind the shooting. The shooting serves as a serious reminder of the risks faced by soldiers, whether active duty or Guard members.
