By Peter.
wo members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot and critically wounded in a “targeted ambush” just blocks from the White House in downtown Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, around 2:15 p.m. ET. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal (also spelled Lakankwal), a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 under the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome program, was shot four times by responding officers and taken into custody.
The incident unfolded near the Farragut Square Metro station (15th and K Streets NW), a busy area during the pre-Thanksgiving rush. The soldiers, on routine patrol as part of Joint Task Force DC’s deployment for urban crime initiatives, were approached by the suspect who “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing,” per Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll. Nearby Guard members heard the shots, intervened, and subdued Lakanwal until MPD arrived within moments. No other injuries reported; the area was swiftly secured.
Suspect Profile and Charges
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified Lakanwal as a “criminal alien” granted asylum in April 2025. FBI Director Kash Patel labeled it “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” charging assault on a federal officer (potential terrorism enhancement). Lakanwal, wounded and hospitalized, faces federal charges; his status (asylum seeker) is under review.
Trump’s Response and Broader Fallout
From Mar-a-Lago, Trump vowed: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen… will pay a very steep price… God bless our Great National Guard.” He tied it to immigration, calling for a full Afghan vetting review and halting USCIS processing of Afghan requests. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed the victims’ identities, praying for recovery.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called it a “targeted shooting,” praising responders. The FBI leads the probe; no motive yet, but Trump’s rhetoric frames it as terrorism tied to immigration.
Prayers for the Guardsmen’s recovery—strength to their families and the responders.
#DCShooting #NationalGuard #TrumpResponse
