The nation’s capital was rocked by violence just before Thanksgiving holiday as two members of the National Guard were shot near the White House complex on 26 November 2025. The attack which authorities have described as targeted shooting or an ambush injured the two National Guardsmen and prompted an immediate security lockdown in the area.
This brazen daylight incident against service members performing their duties has drawn swift condemnation and triggered a massive multi-agency investigation.
The Targeted Attack and Critical Condition of the Troops
The shooting near the happen intersection of 17th and H Streets NW just couple of blocks from the White House heavily secured area of Washington DC.
- Victims. Two West Virginia National Guard members (a man and a woman) who were on high visibility patrol as part of Joint Task Force DC deployment.
- The Ambush. According to D.C Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll a lone suspect “came around the corner” and immediately opened fire specifically targeting the National Guardsmen.
- Condition. Both soldiers were extremely wounded and rushed to separate local hospitals where they remain in critical condition of the latest reports.
- The Response. Other near by National Guard troops immediately intervened subduing the suspect after an exchange of fire.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting in statement urging prayers for the injure National Guard troops.
Suspect in Custody. Identity and Investigation Details
Following the chaotic scene suspect is in custody according to the DC’s Metropolitan Police. The claimed shooter was wounded in the exchange and is being treated at a separate hospital.
Key Investigative Points
- Identity. Law enforcement have provisionally identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal 29 year old Afghan national who entered the U.S in 2021.
- Status. The suspect‘s immigration status is major point of the ongoing investigation with reports indicating he was paroled into the U.S under “Operation Allies Welcome.”
- Motive. The exact motive for the targeted attack remains officially unknown. The FBI is leading the investigation and is reportedly treating the case as an assault on federal officers which is a serious federal offense.
- Cooperation: The detained suspect is reportedly not cooperating with investigators.
Political Reaction and D.C Troop Deployment
The incident quickly drew a national political response highlighting the contentious issue of deployed troops in the nation’s capital.
Official Statements
- President Donald Trump was at his Mar Lago resort home in Palm Beach, Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday was briefed on the shooting according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The President later called the shooter an “animal” and commend the National Guardsmen.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that President Donald Trump has requested the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington DC following the shooting underline the administration’s resolve to combat crime.
- Sgt. Andrew Enriquez of Joint Task Force DC stated they are assisting local law enforcement and federal agencies in the response.
The presence of thousands of National Guard troops in D.C. has been a topic of debate for months often characterized as part of the Trump administration officials‘ efforts to address crime. This shooting brings the risks faced by these National Guardsmen into sharp focus.
Also Read: Trump’s tweet awakened Tinubu’s consciousness to nation’s insecurity – Adebayo
FAQs
Why National Guard troops deployed in Washington D.C?
The deployment of National Guard troops has been ongoing effort by the Trump administration to supplement local law enforcement in Washington D.C and help combat crime and manage large public demonstrations in the nation’s capital.
What is the role of FBI in this investigation?
Because the shooting involved an assault on National Guard troops who are considered federal officers when deployed in this capacity the FBI has taken the lead. They are coordinating with the DC’s Metropolitan Police and other federal entities like the U.S Secret Service to fully investigate the incident including the shooter’s background and potential motives.
How does this affect security around the White House?
The immediate aftermath saw White House lockdown and coordinated response by numerous agencies & departments. While the suspect is in custody and authorities believe the threat is contained the increase in deployed troops signals a major re evaluation and hardening of security measures in the immediate vicinity of the White House complex.
Call to Action
Our thoughts are the National Guardsmen who were critically wounded.
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