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

On November 26, 2025, two National Guard members were critically wounded in an ambush-style 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 an exchange of gunfire.

Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to resettle Afghans who had supported U.S. forces. He was granted asylum in April 2025. Prior to his arrival in the U.S., Lakanwal served in the Afghan army for 10 years, including work with CIA-backed military units in Kandahar.

The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station at 17th and I Streets NW, just blocks from the White House. Lakanwal allegedly approached the two Guard members, who were on high-visibility patrols, and opened fire without provocation. Both soldiers were critically injured. A third Guard member returned fire, wounding Lakanwal, who was then taken into custody.

President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as an "act of terror" and announced a sweeping immigration crackdown in response. He ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C., expanding an existing force aimed at reinforcing security in the capital.

The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Authorities have not yet determined Lakanwal’s motive. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced plans to pursue terrorism charges against him, with the possibility of first-degree murder charges if either Guard member dies.

In response to the attack, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspended Afghan immigration processing, citing the need for a security review. Critics have warned against punishing the broader Afghan community for the actions of one individual.