National Guard Members Injured in Washington D.C. Shooting
Washington DC, Thursday, 27 November 2025.
Two West Virginia National Guard members are critically injured after being shot near the White House. The suspect, an Afghan national, is in custody, prompting security concerns.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025, near the White House in Washington, D.C., involving two National Guard members from West Virginia who were critically injured. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, fired upon the guardsmen in what has been described as a ‘targeted attack’ by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser [1][2][3].
Response and Security Concerns
Following the incident, President Donald Trump labeled the shooting an ‘act of terror’ and called for a reassessment of Afghan immigrants admitted under the Biden administration [3][4]. The Department of Homeland Security has since paused the processing of Afghan immigration requests pending a review of vetting protocols [1][2]. President Trump also ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C., in response to the attack [3][4].
Political Reactions and Implications
The incident has sparked a heated political debate, with Democratic mayoral candidate Gary Goodweather criticizing the militarization of the capital and asserting that the presence of National Guard troops exacerbated tensions [2]. Conversely, Vice President JD Vance emphasized the protective role of the National Guard, calling the soldiers ‘the sword and the shield of the United States’ [3][4].
Background and Previous Deployments
The deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. began in August 2025 following a declaration of a ‘public safety emergency’ by President Trump. This decision has been contentious, with a federal judge recently ruling the deployment likely unlawful, though implementation of the order has been delayed [2][4]. The shooting has reignited discussions about the appropriateness of military presence in urban areas [3][4].