National Guard Shooting: Trump, Afghan Suspect ID’d

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National Guard Members Shot Near White House: Suspect Identified, Investigation Ongoing

Two National Guard members from West Virginia are in critical condition following a shooting near the White House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and political leaders. The incident,described by officials as a “targeted shooting,” has ignited a national debate over security protocols and immigration policy.

initial reports indicated two fatalities, but West Virginia Governor’s office later clarified that information was conflicting and the Guard members remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Wednesday evening.

Did you know?– The National Guard has been deployed to Washington, D.C. as August as part of President Trump’s federal takeover aimed at curbing crime. Currently, 2,188 personnel are assigned to the city.

details of the Shooting

The gunfire erupted around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C., as the Guard members were reportedly ambushed by a lone gunman.According to MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll, the suspect “raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard.” Fellow National Guard members quickly intervened, subduing the shooter after he was wounded in the exchange.

Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He reportedly applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted it in april 2025 under the Trump management. Following the shooting, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an indefinite halt to the processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals, pending a review of security and vetting procedures.

pro tip:– Asylum seekers undergo a vetting process, but security gaps can exist. The shooting has prompted calls for a review of these procedures to enhance national security.

Political Fallout and Investigation

President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night, condemning the shooting as “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” and characterizing it as “a crime against our entire nation.” Citing information from the Department of Homeland Security, Trump criticized the prior administration of President Joe Biden and called for a reevaluation of all Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. under his predecessor. “we must now reexamine every single alien from Afghanistan who has entered our country under Biden and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country,” Trump stated.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism, exploring possible connections to international terrorist organizations. Law enforcement officials and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. are expected to release further details about the suspect and the investigation on Thursday.

Reader question:– What is the role of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.? They are currently deployed to assist with crime reduction efforts under a federal takeover initiated by President Trump.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking from Fort Campbell in Kentucky, emphasized the sacrifice of service members, stating, “It’s a somber reminder that soldiers…are the sword and the shield of the United States of America.” Defense Secretary Pete hegseth announced President Trump had requested an additional 500 National Guardsmen be deployed to D.C., stating, “This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C. safe and beautiful.”

National Guard Deployment and Security Concerns

The National Guard was initially deployed to the nation’s capital as part of President Trump’s federal takeover of the city and crime crackdown in August, with 2,188 personnel currently assigned to D.C. Trump had previously touted the success of this deployment,claiming Washington,D.C.was now