Shooting Near White House Leaves Two National Guard Members Injured
In a shocking incident in Washington, D.C., two National Guard members from West Virginia were critically injured in a shooting that occurred just blocks from the White House. The event unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, a day before Thanksgiving, and has been described by Mayor Muriel Bowser as a “targeted attack.” FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the victims’ hospitalization in critical condition.
The shooting took place in an area that has seen a heightened military presence, sparking debates over the use of National Guard troops in urban settings. The suspect, aged 29, was also shot during the incident and is currently in custody with injuries that are not life-threatening, according to a law enforcement source who provided information under the condition of anonymity.
Suspect Identified and Background Under Scrutiny
Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome. This program, initiated by the Biden administration, aimed to resettle Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces. Despite offering refuge to many, the initiative has faced criticism regarding its vetting processes.
Lakanwal had been residing in Washington state with his family prior to the incident. His former landlord, Kristina Widman, mentioned that he moved to Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children.
Reactions and Responses
President Donald Trump, in a video message, called for a reevaluation of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration, stating, “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” and referred to the shooting as “a crime against our entire nation.”
Meanwhile, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported the death of the troops, but later retracted his statement, citing conflicting reports on their conditions. In response to the incident, the Trump administration ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to be deployed to the capital, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Details of the Incident
The attack occurred near a metro station, approximately two blocks from the White House. Executive Assistant D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll noted that surveillance footage showed the suspect approached and immediately opened fire on the Guard members. Troops nearby managed to subdue the shooter after he was injured.
“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll reported. The investigation continues, with no additional suspects identified at this time.
Community Impact and Observations
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos following the gunshots. Stacy Walters, who was in a car nearby, described hearing the shots and seeing people flee the scene. Similarly, Emma McDonald, a metro passenger, sought refuge in a cafe and witnessed the subsequent emergency response.
The crime scene was cordoned off, with a significant presence from law enforcement and emergency services, including the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by military personnel, even within the nation’s capital.
Ongoing Military Operations
The presence of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., stems from an emergency order issued by Trump in August, which federalized the local police force and brought in troops from multiple states. Although the order has expired, the deployment persists amid ongoing legal challenges. Recently, a federal judge ruled to end the deployment, but the decision is on hold pending potential appeals.
Gen. Steven Nordhaus and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll have expressed their concern and support for the wounded soldiers. Vice President JD Vance, addressing troops in Kentucky, emphasized the critical role of National Guard members in safeguarding the country.
