A Shocking Attack Near the White House Rocks Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. was thrown into turmoil on November 26, 2025, just a day before the Thanksgiving holiday, when two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the bustling Farragut Square. The incident, described by officials as a “heinous assault” and an “act of evil” by then-President Donald Trump, sent shockwaves across the nation's capital and sparked immediate condemnation from political leaders.
The Incident Unfolds
At approximately 2:15 PM local time, a lone assailant approached three National Guard members in Farragut Square, a busy tourist hub adjacent to a transit center and the iconic White House. Witnesses and reports suggest the attacker opened fire without warning, striking one guardsman, then another. As the suspect appeared to attempt a third shot on the first victim, a third guardsman bravely returned fire, neutralizing the threat. The suspect, also wounded during the exchange, was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment. Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll confirmed the attack appeared to be an ambush by a lone gunman.
Who is the Suspect?
Investigators swiftly identified the alleged attacker as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that Lakanwal had entered the United States in September 2021 through “Operation Allies Welcome,” a program initiated under the Biden administration to resettle Afghans displaced after the Taliban's takeover. President Trump, from Florida at the time, was quick to criticize the program, labeling Lakanwal as an “unvetted, mass paroled” individual and vowing strict measures against such acts.
Understanding the National Guard and Operation Allies Welcome
The National Guard, a vital reserve component of the U.S. military, plays a dual role, serving both state and federal needs. Its 431,000 members, making it the country's second-largest military force, are often deployed for domestic emergencies like natural disasters or civil unrest, and can also support overseas missions. The two wounded soldiers were members of West Virginia’s contingent. The deployment of National Guard troops to D.C. had recently been a point of contention, with a federal judge temporarily halting Trump’s order, a decision the administration sought to overturn post-shooting.
Operation Allies Welcome, launched in 2021, facilitated the resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans who fled their homeland following the U.S. withdrawal. Many were interpreters or support staff for U.S. forces, while others were journalists or activists facing grave risks. While offering a safe haven, the program later drew criticism from some Republicans regarding its vetting processes.
Immediate Reactions and Policy Shifts
The shooting triggered a cascade of political reactions and policy announcements. President Trump, condemning the “animal who perpetrated this atrocity,” declared intentions to expand deportation efforts and demanded a re-examination of all Afghans who entered the country after the Taliban takeover. Following suit, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an indefinite pause on all Afghan immigration requests, citing a need to review security and vetting protocols. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed an additional 500 National Guard members would be deployed to Washington D.C. to enhance security.
Former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama expressed their heartbreak and prayers for the injured service members, emphasizing that “violence of any kind is unacceptable” and has “no place in America.” Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, called for the attacker's full prosecution but cautioned against demonizing the entire Afghan community. General Steven Nordhaus, head of the National Guard, cut short his Thanksgiving visit to Guantanamo Bay to return to D.C., reiterating prayers for the wounded heroes. The incident underscores ongoing debates surrounding national security, immigration policies, and the safety of the nation's capital.
