Two Guard Members Wounded in Ambush Near White House
On Wednesday afternoon, two members of the West Virginia National Guard — deployed in Washington, D.C. — came under gunfire near the Farragut West Metro Station, just a few blocks from the White House. The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time, during a routine high-visibility patrol. Both soldiers sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized in critical condition.
Officials say a lone gunman opened fire without warning. The suspect discharged several rounds, striking one guard first, then turning the guard’s own weapon on the second. A third guard nearby returned fire and subdued the attacker.
Suspect Identified: Afghan Immigrant Under Asylum Program
Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He reportedly arrived in the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome — the resettlement program initiated after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Authorities say Lakanwal was shot during the confrontation, taken into custody, and is now hospitalized. He is not cooperating with investigators. At this point, no motive has been confirmed.
Fallout: Security Response and Immigration Review
In the wake of the shooting, federal and local law-enforcement agencies — including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — have launched a joint investigation. They are treating the incident as a potential act of terror.
Meanwhile, immigration authorities have paused processing of applications from Afghan nationals until further notice. The decision comes as the government reviews security measures and vetting procedures for asylum and resettlement programmes.
At the same time, supplementary National Guard deployments to Washington have been ordered to strengthen security and public safety in the capital.
What Happened — And What Comes Next
The sudden attack on uniformed National Guard troops near one of the most sensitive areas in Washington has stirred deep concern across federal and civic authorities. As the suspect remains in custody and investigators work to uncover motive and background, the incident is shaping up to have significant consequences — ranging from immigration policy reassessments to heightened security in the nation’s capital.
The full story is still unfolding. Future updates are expected as more information becomes available about the suspect’s history, possible motivations, and the implications for U.S. domestic security.
