National guard shot in dc, In a shocking incident near the White House in Washington, D.C., two National Guard soldiers were critically injured in a shooting attack, prompting the United States to suspend all immigration requests from Afghan nationals. This decision follows the identification of an Afghan man as the suspect in the attack, sparking a nationwide security review.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021, was involved in the shooting on a busy Wednesday afternoon near Farragut Square Metro Station. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that processing of all Afghan immigration applications is paused while officials review existing security and vetting protocols to prevent further risks.
Details of the National Guard Shooting in DC
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. EST near the intersection of 17th and I streets, a bustling area favored by office workers during lunchtime. The soldiers were conducting a visible security patrol when the suspect suddenly emerged and opened fire in what Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll described as an “ambush.”
🚨 DEVASTATING LOSS IN WASHINGTON DC: Both West Virginia National Guard members who were shot have now died from their injuries. A brutal and heartbreaking confirmation.
West Virginia’s governor says the state will never forget their service or their sacrifice.
America… pic.twitter.com/hW6kKiv2nN— ⁿᵉʷˢ Barron Trump 🇺🇸 (@BarronTNews_) November 26, 2025
Other nearby National Guard members quickly responded by subduing the attacker, who was subsequently shot four times by law enforcement. The two soldiers, wearing their uniforms, received immediate medical attention on-site and were rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Authorities have withheld the identities of the injured National Guard members pending family notification.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described chaotic moments as gunshots rang out, sending people fleeing for safety and into nearby shops. One witness captured harrowing footage of the injured soldiers receiving treatment on the street, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Profile of the Suspect and Immigration Background
Lakanwal is 29 years old and entered the U.S. under the Biden administration through the Operation Allies Welcome program, designed to resettle Afghans following the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in 2021. The program admitted tens of thousands of Afghans seeking asylum and protection as the Taliban regained control over the country.
According to Homeland Security, Lakanwal was granted asylum in early 2025, but he is reportedly not cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Officials have labeled him a “criminal alien from Afghanistan,” intensifying calls for a review of immigration vetting processes.
Political and Security Implications
The shooting immediately drew political attention, with former President Donald Trump, who was in office during the chaotic Kabul evacuation in 2021, labeling the attack an “act of terror.” He emphasized revisiting immigration policies and called for stringent re-evaluation of individuals admitted to the U.S. through Afghan resettlement programs.
The Joint Task Force DC, responsible for National Guard deployment in the capital, confirmed the coordinated response to the incident. The event underscores ongoing security challenges in protecting federal installations and public spaces in major cities, especially amidst heightened terrorism concerns.
Continuing Investigation and Community Response
Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation, working to establish the suspect’s motives and any potential accomplices. Meanwhile, the community remains on edge, with increased security visible throughout Washington, D.C. Public officials call for vigilance and cooperation from the public to support national and local law enforcement efforts.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the complex intersection between immigration, security, and national defense policies in a post-9/11 America, particularly regarding the vetting procedures for refugees and asylum seekers.