National guard shot in Washington dc 

Here’s a detailed, easy-to-understand overview of what is (so far) known about the shooting involving members of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 2025 — near The White House.  

What happened — basic facts On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, around 2:15 p.m. (local time), two National Guard soldiers on patrol were shot near the Farragut West metro station, at 17th and I Streets NW — just two blocks from the White House. 

Police described the shooting as a targeted ambush: the suspect reportedly came around a corner, raised a gun, and opened fire on the guardsmen. 

The shooter was wounded in return gunfire, taken into custody, and transported to hospital. 

The two injured Guardsmen — both from the West Virginia National Guard — were also taken to hospital. Authorities said they were in critical condition.   

Who was involved 

shooter & victims The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly entered the U.S. in 2021 under the resettlement program known as Operation Allies Welcome. 

According to reports, Lakanwal had previously served in a unit aligned with U.S.-backed forces in Afghanistan. 

The victims are members of the West Virginia National Guard — among the troops deployed to Washington as part of a federal security deployment ordered earlier in 2025. 

At least one of the injured Guard members was shot in the head.   

🏛️ Context — why were National Guard troops in DC The deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. began in August 2025, under orders from Donald J. Trump, as part of a federal “crime emergency” and security crackdown. 

This deployment was already controversial — seen by some as an aggressive use of federal troops for domestic security in a city that typically relies on local law enforcement. 

The attack near the White House underscores the potential risks for these troops operating in civilian-heavy areas.   

📰 Immediate aftermath and reactions The shooting triggered a brief lockdown around the White House area, and streets near the scene were cordoned off by police while investigations began. 

Authorities described the incident as a “lone gunman” attack; no additional suspects have been publicly named. 

Officials from different U.S. agencies — local police, federal law enforcement (including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security — are jointly investigating. 

The event raised renewed debate about immigration policies — especially for people admitted under humanitarian/evacuation programs — as critics point to national-security vetting. Government officials signalled that they may review admissions under Operation Allies Welcome.   

What is still unknown Motive

Investigators have not officially determined why the shooter targeted the Guard members. It is not clear whether the attack was politically driven, personal, or otherwise. 

Final condition of the victims — While early reports said the Guardsmen were in critical condition, earlier misreports from the state governor claiming they had died were later retracted. Officials say there are “conflicting reports” about their exact health status. 

Whether more people were involved — As of now, officials say only one suspect is in custody, and no one else is being sought. But until the investigation is complete, that could change.   

Broader significance — why this matters 1. Security vulnerability: The fact that a heavy-patrolled zone just blocks from the White House could be breached raises serious questions about how secure even high-profile areas are. 

2. Immigration & resettlement scrutiny: Since the suspect is an Afghan national admitted under a humanitarian program, the incident will likely fuel political debate about the U.S.’s screening and vetting of refugees and migrants. 

3. Military and civil-police deployment in cities: The shooting intensifies controversy over the use of National Guard troops in domestic policing and security roles — and whether that increases risks rather than reducing them. 

4. Impact on morale and public trust: Such attacks on uniformed service members can shake confidence among both security personnel and the public; they also put a spotlight on the pressures faced by deployed Guard troops.