Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded after being shot near the White House on Wednesday afternoon in what officials have described as a targeted attack.
President Donald Trump, speaking from Florida, called the shooting “a heinous assault—an act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terror.” He announced that federal authorities will increase security screenings for Afghans who entered the United States under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome programme.
What Happened
Police say a lone gunman opened fire around 2:15 p.m. local time (19:15 GMT) in Farragut Square, a busy area near downtown Washington, D.C. and within walking distance of the White House.
According to preliminary reports, the suspect approached three National Guard members before opening fire, striking two. The third guardsman returned fire, wounding the attacker, who remains under police custody and in hospital care.
Both injured soldiers are members of West Virginia’s National Guard. Officials say they remain in critical condition.
More than 2,200 National Guard members are currently deployed across the capital, including 925 from D.C. and over 1,200 from other states.
Who Is the Suspect
Investigators have identified the shooter as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, the resettlement initiative launched following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed his immigration history, while emphasizing that the suspect acted alone.
In a video statement, Trump said:
“We will ensure the individual responsible faces the steepest possible penalty. This is not only a crime but an assault on peace and on every citizen who serves this country.”
Operation Allies Welcome: A Background
Operation Allies Welcome was established to provide safe entry for tens of thousands of Afghans who had assisted U.S. missions, as well as journalists and activists at risk under Taliban rule. Refugees were processed through health and security screenings before relocation to U.S. communities.
The programme resettled approximately 76,000 Afghans and concluded after a year. While widely praised for its humanitarian intent, it later drew criticism from some lawmakers who questioned aspects of the vetting process.
Policy and Public Reaction
In response to the shooting, Trump said his administration would conduct a “full review” of Afghan entrants from the 2021 resettlement wave. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed it is temporarily pausing new Afghan immigration requests pending a review of screening procedures.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that an additional 500 National Guard troops will be deployed to Washington, D.C., to support security operations during the holiday weekend.
Reactions have spanned sorrow and caution.
Former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama both issued statements condemning the attack and offering prayers for the wounded soldiers and their families.
Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, urged accountability for the suspect while warning against collective blame:
“This was one man’s act of violence. It must not be used to stigmatize thousands of Afghans who risked everything to stand with America.”
General Steven Nordhaus, head of the National Guard, said he is returning to Washington immediately.
“Our focus now is on our wounded members, their families, and the continued safety of those serving our nation,” he said.
Beyond Politics
The tragedy has reignited a broader debate about how nations balance security with compassion. The suspect’s path through a programme built on trust now casts a shadow over an effort meant to symbolize gratitude and refuge.
Still, beneath the politics lies a quieter truth: every act of violence tears at the fabric of belonging, reminding both leaders and citizens that safety depends not only on vigilance but on justice rooted in fairness—not fear.
