Suspect identified in shooting of two National Guard members near White House

Suspect Identified in Targeted Shooting of Two National Guard Members Near White House

Authorities have identified 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, as the suspect in a targeted shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C. The shooting left two members of the West Virginia National Guard in critical condition, both suffering from head wounds. The victims were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment.

Key Details

Rahmanullah Lakanwal was confirmed as the shooter by local law enforcement officials. The incident, described as "unprovoked" and "targeted" by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of military personnel in urban areas. The two National Guard members were reportedly engaged in routine duties when they were attacked.

Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 as part of the Biden administration"s Operation Allies Welcome, a humanitarian program designed to assist Afghan nationals following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His asylum application was approved in April 2025, indicating that he had been living in the U.S. for over four years prior to the incident. Before the shooting, he resided in Bellingham, Washington.

During the confrontation with law enforcement, Lakanwal was shot by responding officers after a brief exchange of gunfire. He was subsequently taken into custody and is currently hospitalized, although details regarding his injuries have not been disclosed.

Background

The shooting incident comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Washington, D.C., particularly following previous attacks on military and law enforcement personnel. Mayor Bowser"s characterization of the shooting as "targeted" suggests that the attack may have been premeditated, raising questions about the motivations behind Lakanwal"s actions.

Operation Allies Welcome was initiated to provide refuge to Afghan allies and their families who faced threats following the Taliban"s return to power in Afghanistan. The program has facilitated the resettlement of thousands of Afghan nationals, many of whom served alongside U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict. Lakanwal"s case highlights the complexities and challenges associated with the resettlement of Afghan evacuees in the United States.

What"s Next

As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to examine Lakanwal"s background and motivations for the attack. The incident has prompted discussions about the security measures in place for military personnel stationed in urban environments, particularly in the nation"s capital. Additionally, the implications of Lakanwal"s asylum status and the broader context of Afghan resettlement programs may come under scrutiny as officials seek to understand how such violence can occur within this demographic.

In light of this incident, there may be a reevaluation of security protocols for National Guard members and other military personnel in D.C. The shooting has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan evacuees and the need for comprehensive support systems to ensure their successful integration into American society.

For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned for related coverage on the implications of this incident and its impact on national security.

For more information on similar situations, refer to our article on Rahmanullah Lakanwal identified as suspect in D.C. shooting.