Afghan National Charged in Shooting of National Guard Members Near White House

On November 26, 2025, two West Virginia National Guard members 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 after being wounded during the incident.

Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated to resettle Afghans who had supported U.S. forces. He had been residing in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children.

The attack occurred near the Farragut West metro station, approximately two blocks from the White House. Witnesses reported that Lakanwal approached the guardsmen and opened fire, critically injuring both. He was subsequently shot and subdued by other National Guard members.

Authorities have charged Lakanwal with multiple felonies, including possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and intent to kill while armed. The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism, though the motive remains under investigation.

In response to the shooting, President Donald Trump condemned the act as an "act of terror" and announced plans for a comprehensive review of Afghan refugees admitted under the previous administration. He also ordered the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.

Refugee advocacy groups have expressed concern about potential backlash against Afghan and refugee communities in the United States. They emphasize that the actions of one individual should not lead to broad generalizations or xenophobic reactions.