Two National Guard Members Critically Injured in Shooting Near White House

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are in critical condition after being shot just two blocks from the White House in Washington DC. Authorities described the incident as a “targeted attack”, allegedly carried out by a single gunman on Wednesday afternoon near Farragut Square Metro Station.

Mayor officials confirmed that the suspect opened fire unexpectedly at around 2:15 PM (EST) while the soldiers were on a public patrol. Other National Guard members who heard the gunshots quickly intervened, subduing the suspect until police arrived.

The Department of Homeland Security identified the gunman as Rahmanullah Lakamal, an Afghan national who reportedly entered the United States in September 2021. His immigration status remains uncertain.
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time, condemned the shooting as “an act of evil and terror”, pledging the “steepest possible punishment” for the attacker.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the suspect was shot four times during the confrontation. The motive remains unclear, and the attacker has not co-operated with investigators so far.

✦ Political and Security Response

Trump has called for a review of Afghans who entered the US following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services later announced a temporary suspension of Afghan immigration processing until vetting procedures are reassessed.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that an additional 500 National Guard personnel will be deployed to Washington DC to reinforce security — adding to an existing 2,200 troops currently stationed in the capital.

✦ City Impact & Eyewitness Accounts

The shooting temporarily halted flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. Witnesses described hearing several gunshots and seeing people running for shelter. Footage shows both soldiers receiving emergency medical attention on the street, with the alleged gunman also seen wounded nearby.

While earlier reports suggested the soldiers had died, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey later clarified that information was still conflicting.

National Guard deployments in Washington DC began in August under Trump’s direction, aiming to reduce violent crime. Police data indicates homicide numbers have since fallen compared to the previous year.