Critical Shooting in D.C. News: On November 26, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot and critically wounded in downtown Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time near the corner of 17th and I streets NW, close to the Farragut West Metro Station. Authorities described the shooting as a targeted ambush, with the gunman reportedly opening fire on the troops. Other National Guard members responded immediately, engaging the shooter and subduing him after an exchange of gunfire. The suspect was wounded, taken into custody, and hospitalized.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | November 26, 2025 |
| Location | Downtown Washington, D.C., near 17th & I streets NW, close to Farragut West Metro Station |
| Victims | 2 West Virginia National Guard members, critically wounded |
| Suspect | Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29-year-old Afghan national |
| Background of Suspect | Entered U.S. in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome; asylum approved in April 2025; previously lived in Washington state |
| Incident Type | Targeted shooting/ambush |
| Response | National Guard and law enforcement engaged and subdued suspect; suspect hospitalized |
| Official Reaction | White House lockdown; additional 500 National Guard troops deployed; FBI and DHS leading investigation |
| Witness Accounts | Chaos reported near Farragut Square; victims seen on ground, assisted by others; rapid response prevented further harm |
| Broader Context | Deployment of National Guard troops in D.C. was controversial; raises debate on immigration policy and refugee vetting |
| Victims’ Condition | Critical; hospitalized |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; motive unconfirmed; treated as assault on federal officers |
Suspect Identification and Background
The suspected shooter has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a refugee resettlement program for Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He applied for asylum in December 2024 and was approved in April 2025. Before the shooting, he reportedly lived in Washington state. Authorities have not confirmed a motive, and the investigation is ongoing.
Reaction from Officials
The shooting triggered immediate security responses, with buildings near the White House briefly placed on lockdown. Former President Donald J. Trump released a statement calling the attack an act of evil and terror, describing it as a crime against the nation. The administration ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., joining the roughly 2,200 already deployed. The FBI, together with the Department of Homeland Security, local police, and other federal agencies, is leading the investigation, treating the shooting as an assault on federal officers.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses near Farragut Square described a chaotic scene. People scrambled for cover after hearing multiple gunshots. Some saw the two National Guard soldiers lying on the ground, with one being carried away on a stretcher while others rushed to provide help. Immediate response from other Guard troops and law enforcement likely prevented further harm.
Broader Context
The shooting occurs during a politically sensitive period. The West Virginia National Guard members were part of hundreds of troops deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of a domestic security initiative. Days before the attack, a federal judge had ruled that the deployment exceeded presidential authority under the Home Rule Act, though it remained in place pending an appeal. The incident has reignited debate over immigration policy and refugee resettlement programs, particularly for Afghan evacuees, prompting calls for reevaluation of related procedures.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
Authorities have not confirmed a motive for the attack. Both National Guard members remain in critical condition. The incident is likely to influence ongoing discussions regarding military deployments in U.S. cities, the role of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement, and immigration and vetting policies for asylum seekers and refugees. Investigators continue to gather evidence and question witnesses as the case develops.
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