D.C. National Guard Shooting: Two Members Critical After Targeted Attack Near White House; Afghan Suspect's Entry & Troop Deployments Scrutinized

The nation's capital was rocked by violence on Wednesday when two West Virginia National Guard members, deployed to Washington, D.C., were critically injured in a shooting just blocks from the White House. The incident has drawn immediate national attention and ignited renewed debate over security protocols and military deployments.

Details of the Targeted Attack

According to Jeffrey Carroll, executive assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting unfolded around 2:15 p.m. The assailant reportedly emerged from a corner, opening fire on the Guard members as they conducted their patrol. Other nearby Guard personnel quickly intervened, subduing the gunman, who was subsequently shot and taken into custody. While police confirmed the gunman's capture, the individual responsible for shooting the assailant remains unclear. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser swiftly labeled the event a "targeted" attack, a sentiment echoed by President Trump.

Suspect's Identity and Background

The suspected shooter has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakamal, who arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakamal's entry was facilitated by his prior collaboration with the U.S. government, including the CIA. The Department of Homeland Security further clarified that Lakamal was part of Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration initiative that allowed thousands of Afghans, who had worked with the U.S. or NATO forces during the Afghanistan war, to enter the country on two-year parole grants after the Taliban's takeover. These individuals were expected to apply for permanent residency options like asylum, following rigorous screening processes.

Political Fallout and Immigration Policy Shifts

The attack triggered a strong reaction from President Trump, who was in Florida at the time. In a video address, he denounced the act as "an act of terror" and utilized anti-immigrant rhetoric, demanding a re-examination and potential removal of all Afghan nationals admitted under the Biden administration. Hours later, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services announced an immediate halt to processing immigration applications from Afghan nationals, pending a comprehensive review of security and vetting procedures. This move is expected to significantly impact many Afghans still seeking permanent status in the U.S.

Escalation of National Guard Deployments

In the wake of the shooting, President Trump doubled down on his controversial policy of deploying National Guard troops to D.C. He announced an order for an additional 500 troops, bringing the total Guard presence in the capital to over 2,000, dispatched from various states since August. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this request. These deployments, initiated by Trump over concerns about D.C.'s crime rate and often against the wishes of local authorities in other Democratic-led cities, have been a source of significant controversy and legal challenges. Although a federal judge recently ruled the D.C. troop use unlawful and ordered an end to the deployment, that injunction had not yet taken effect, allowing time for the administration to appeal.

This remains a developing situation, with investigations ongoing and potential policy ramifications unfolding.