National Guard shooting near White House sparks terror claims

Two National Guardsmen were shot near the White House in a targeted DC attack. Trump calls it terror as officials identify an Afghan national as the suspect.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured in a shooting near the White House, prompting widespread concern and a renewed political fight over immigration policies linked to Afghan refugees. United States President Donald Trump condemned the incident as a “terror attack” and announced new scrutiny of Afghans who entered the country under the Biden administration.

What Happened in Washington, DC?

The shooting occurred around 2:15pm local time in Farragut Square, a busy area filled with tourists and office workers. According to police officials, a lone gunman approached three National Guard members and opened fire without warning.

Jeffery Carroll, executive assistant police chief, said the attacker “ambushed” the guardsmen. After shooting one soldier, he targeted a second, and appeared to attempt a third shot before a responding guardsman fired back, injuring the suspect. All three wounded individuals were taken to nearby hospitals.

The attack comes as approximately 2,200 National Guard personnel were deployed across Washington, DC, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Trump was in Florida when the shooting took place.

What Is the National Guard?

The US National Guard is a reserve military component consisting of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, with more than 430,000 members nationwide. Guard units typically respond to domestic emergencies—such as natural disasters, civil unrest, and major security events—but they can also be deployed overseas.

The two soldiers injured in the attack belonged to the West Virginia National Guard, according to Governor Patrick Morrisey.

The shooting also reignited legal debate: a federal judge recently blocked Trump’s order to send additional Guard troops to Washington, ruling it likely unlawful. After the attack, the administration moved to challenge that ruling.

Where Did the Shooting Take Place?

The incident unfolded in Farragut Square, a historic public plaza located just blocks from the White House. Designed in 1791 by Pierre L’Enfant, the square is surrounded by restaurants, offices, and two Metro stations, making it one of the capital’s busiest crossroads.

Holiday decorations were already in place when gunfire caused panic among bystanders and office workers. The Secret Service quickly cordoned off surrounding streets as emergency teams secured the area.

Who Is the Suspect?

Authorities identified the alleged shooter as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. According to Homeland Security officials, Lakanwal arrived in the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome—a Biden-era programme created to resettle Afghans who fled after the Taliban regained control.

Trump, in a video statement, said the suspect came from Afghanistan, which he called “a hellhole on Earth,” and promised maximum punishment.

Officials say the attacker remains in police custody while being treated in hospital. The motive has not been confirmed.

What Is Operation Allies Welcome?

Launched in 2021, Operation Allies Welcome brought more than 76,000 Afghans to the US following the Taliban takeover. Many were interpreters, drivers, journalists, activists, and others deemed at high risk.

Under the programme, Afghans underwent medical exams, vaccinations, and security vetting before being resettled in local US communities. Critics later claimed vetting was insufficient—a point Trump highlighted in his response to the DC shooting.

What Happens Next?

Following the attack, Trump announced that his administration will:

• Re-examine all Afghan nationals who entered the US after the Taliban takeover
• Pause immigration processing for Afghan applicants pending additional reviews
• Increase deportation efforts targeting individuals considered security risks

US Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed a temporary halt to Afghan immigration cases while vetting procedures are reviewed.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced an additional 500 National Guard members will be deployed to Washington, DC, to reinforce security.

How Are Leaders and Communities Reacting?

Reactions poured in from political leaders and advocacy groups:

• Trump vowed that the suspect would “pay the steepest possible price.”
• AfghanEvac, a coalition supporting Afghan evacuees, said the attacker should face full prosecution but urged the public not to generalise the Afghan community.
• Joe Biden said he and his wife were “heartbroken” and called for unity against violence.
• Barack Obama condemned the attack on social media, saying there is no place for violence in the United States.
• General Steven Nordhaus, head of the National Guard, cut short a visit to Guantanamo Bay to return to Washington.

Additional Context and Analysis (Added Content)

This incident has intensified debates surrounding immigration policy, national security, and the political handling of Afghan resettlement. Experts warn that while investigations should proceed fully and transparently, blaming entire communities for an individual act risks deepening divisions.

Security analysts also note that increased visibility of National Guard members in public spaces can create new vulnerabilities, as uniformed personnel may be seen as symbolic targets.

The coming days will likely determine whether the shooting was ideologically motivated or a personal act of violence. Regardless, the event is expected to influence ongoing legal battles over Trump’s deployment of the Guard and his administration’s broader national-security agenda.