Incident Overview
On November 26, 2025, a shocking incident shook the nation's capital when two West Virginia National Guard members were ambushed near the Farragut West Metro station, just blocks from the White House. At approximately 2:15 PM, an unknown assailant opened fire on the guardsmen in what authorities described as a calculated ambush. According to the Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, the attacker directly targeted the guards, leaving both injured. A third guard member immediately responded, shooting and apprehending the suspect.
The incident occurred in the busy pedestrian area near Farragut Square, filled with retail stores and restaurants. The attacker waited hidden near a corner before suddenly emerging and beginning the shooting. One guard member, a female, was shot in the chest and head, while the other also sustained gunshot wounds. The assailant was struck by four bullets and was transported to the hospital nearly naked via ambulance. The White House was immediately placed on "Condition Red" security status, later downgraded to "Condition Orange." Flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily halted to allow medevac helicopter emergency operations.
Suspect Background: Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?
The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He grew up in Khost Province, Afghanistan, and served ten years in the Afghan Army, where he worked alongside U.S. Special Forces. He has a wife and five sons. A relative revealed that he came to America after the Taliban took power because "we were targeted by the Taliban."
Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 during the Afghan military withdrawal under the Biden administration. He entered through the "Operation Allies Welcome" and "Operation Allies Refuge" programs, designed for Afghan allies, their families, and vulnerable groups who had worked with American forces. These programs brought approximately 90,000 Afghan civilians to the U.S. using Special Immigrant Visas. Lakanwal was resettled in Bellingham, Washington, where about 800 Afghan refugees were placed in 2022. He lived with relatives or in military "safe havens."
However, Lakanwal's visa expired in September 2025, making his presence in the U.S. illegal. According to Fox News, he resided in Bellingham, his last known location before the attack. No prior criminal record or extremist activities have been mentioned, but a Justice Department Inspector General report from June 2025 noted that during the 2021 evacuation, 55 Afghan evacuees were found on terrorist watchlists. Forty-six were removed after being deemed non-threatening, but nine remain in the database, eight of whom are in the United States. This report accuses the Biden administration of vetting process flaws as the Taliban rose to power.
Victim Details and Condition
The victims are two West Virginia National Guard members who were patrolling in DC. One female guard was shot in the chest and head, while the other also sustained injuries. Both identities remain confidential as the investigation continues. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, both are in serious condition and have been hospitalized at separate facilities. A National Guard spokesperson stated they were deployed for crime control in DC. Both were armed, but the attack was so sudden they couldn't fully prepare.
Official Statements and Reactions
Immediately after the incident, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser described it as a "targeted shooting" where "an individual clearly targeted these guardsmen." She confirmed the suspect was in custody and the investigation was ongoing.
President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident. He posted on Truth Social: "The animal who shot two National Guardsmen, both critically injured in two different hospitals, is badly wounded but will still pay a very big price." Trump demanded re-screening of all Afghan immigrants who arrived during Biden's term, stating: "We must now re-screen every alien who came from Afghanistan under Biden into our country. We must take all necessary steps to ensure any foreigner who does not belong here or benefit our country is removed. If they don't love our country, we don't want them."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard troops deployed to Washington DC. Hegseth stated: "We will never back down. We will keep our capital secure. Crime has seen a historic decrease, and security has seen a historic increase." This brings the total troops in DC to approximately 2,200.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the FBI is investigating with full federal, state, and local law enforcement resources. He called it a "despicable act" and confirmed both victims are alive.
Investigation Status and Broader Context
The investigation has not yet revealed a motive. The FBI is considering it a potential terrorist attack but hasn't confirmed this. The incident has raised questions about the 2021 Afghan evacuation. There is criticism of the vetting of immigrants who came through Biden administration programs. Trump blamed what some social media posts call the "bloody responsibility" of Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Politically, this strengthens the Trump administration's "crime crackdown" policy, though Democrats consider it misuse of military force. Mayor Bowser appealed for peace, while Republican leaders describe it as "the danger of third-world immigrants."
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