Attack Occurs as Thanksgiving Holiday Begins
Two National Guard soldiers were critically wounded in a shooting Wednesday afternoon just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. The attack occurred around 2 p.m. as Americans were beginning the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
What Happened During the Attack
According to witness accounts, a suspect drew a handgun and opened fire on the two soldiers stationed near the White House. Initial reports indicated multiple shots were fired after the initial attack. Both soldiers, who were deployed from West Virginia, were initially reported as deceased by their state’s governor, but officials later confirmed they remain in critical condition.
The suspect was apprehended at the scene and transported to a hospital. The circumstances of his apprehension remain unclear as the investigation continues.
Suspect Identified as Afghan Immigrant
Law enforcement sources have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan immigrant who arrived in the United States in 2021 during the military withdrawal from Afghanistan. He entered through “Operation Allies Welcome,” the program that evacuated Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces during the war.
American media reports indicate Lakanwal previously worked with both the U.S. military and CIA in Afghanistan. After initially settling in Washington state, he had recently moved to the East Coast and filed for asylum in December 2024.
National Guard Deployment Controversy
The shooting comes amid ongoing controversy over the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops to several Democrat-led cities. While officially described as a crime-fighting measure, critics have called it a political maneuver.
Just days before the shooting, a judge had ordered the deployment in Washington ended, though the administration appealed the decision. Internal documents obtained by The New York Times revealed commanders had warned troops of an “elevated threat environment,” noting that “actors conducting grievance-based violence” might see the mission as an “opportunity target.”
Political Fallout and Response
President Trump addressed the shooting Wednesday evening, calling it “a crime against our entire nation” and “an act of evil.” He immediately placed blame on the Biden administration for the 2021 evacuation that brought the suspect to the United States.
The president announced two immediate actions: a comprehensive review of all Afghan immigrants who entered through the evacuation program, and the deployment of 500 additional soldiers to Washington streets.
Veterans’ organization Common Defense issued a statement calling for an end to domestic National Guard deployments, warning that “the escalation of militarization in our cities will only expose more soldiers to danger.”
The investigation continues as both soldiers fight for their lives in area hospitals.
