A national guard shooting in Washington, D.C., left two members critically injured on Wednesday, raising urgent questions about White House security. Authorities quickly responded and subdued the suspect.
President Donald Trump called the incident “an act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terror.” He said the crime targeted the nation and highlighted what he described as a national security threat. Trump also criticized the prior administration’s handling of Afghan arrivals.
Multiple law enforcement sources identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 and received asylum in April 2025. Officials are investigating the National Guard shooting as a possible act of international terrorism, although investigators have not confirmed a motive.
The gunfire erupted around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station when the suspect ambushed the Guard members. MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said responding Guard members acted quickly to hold the suspect. They shot the assailant, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Maj. Gen. Tim Seward of the West Virginia National Guard praised the swift actions of fellow Guardsmen, noting their response saved lives. Meanwhile, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the shooter appeared to target the two members specifically.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her agency is collaborating with local authorities to collect more information. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services paused processing Afghan immigration requests while it reviews security protocols.
Trump stressed the importance of reviewing immigration and vetting procedures. He said the U.S. must remove any foreign national who does not contribute to national security. He also expressed support for the injured Guardsmen and commended all military and law enforcement personnel.
Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the national guard shooting, calling it cowardly. Hegseth said Trump directed the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to D.C. to strengthen security. Senior Guard leaders Steven Nordhaus and John Raines are traveling to Washington to support personnel.
The national guard shooting highlights ongoing security risks in the nation’s capital, particularly amid federal crime-prevention measures. Officials confirmed the White House lockdown ended after a short period. Authorities continue investigating the shooter’s motives and potential international connections while reinforcing protection for military personnel in sensitive areas.
The incident adds to a series of threats that prompted federal leaders to reassess security, boost rapid response capabilities, and expand National Guard deployments in high-risk locations.
The national guard shooting underscores the dangers uniformed personnel face while protecting critical federal sites. Federal and local agencies continue coordinating to prevent additional attacks.
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