Afghan Refugee Arrested in Shooting of National Guard Members Near White House

On November 26, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured in a shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended at the scene. Both soldiers, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, underwent surgery and remain in critical condition.

Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated to resettle Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan conflict. Prior to his arrival, he worked with a CIA-backed unit in Kandahar Province.

The incident has reignited debates over the vetting processes for Afghan refugees. President Donald Trump described the attack as "an act of terror" and called for a comprehensive review of Afghan nationals admitted during the previous administration.

Advocacy groups caution against generalizing the actions of one individual to the broader Afghan refugee community. Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, emphasized that the isolated act should not be used to define or diminish an entire community.

The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Authorities are examining Lakanwal's background and potential motives. The incident has also prompted discussions on the balance between national security and the United States' commitment to its allies.