Federal investigators are searching for answers after an Afghan immigrant opened fire on two National Guard soldiers just blocks from the White House. The FBI’s joint terrorism task force is leading the probe, while officials described the Thanksgiving eve attack as a planned “ambush.” The soldiers remain in critical condition as authorities review all security details connected to the incident.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was wounded during an exchange of gunfire before being arrested. He entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme created to resettle Afghans who supported US forces during the Afghanistan war. Additionally, officials confirmed he applied for asylum in 2024 and received approval earlier this year, with no previous criminal history reported.
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Following the shooting, President Donald Trump released a video message calling the act “evil” and pledging to re-examine the cases of Afghans admitted during the Biden administration. Moreover, the US immigration agency suspended all Afghan-related applications while reviewing security and vetting procedures. The attack also reignited political debate over immigration policy as senior officials defended stricter enforcement measures.
The shooting occurred outside a busy subway station in a commercial area near the White House, prompting an immediate security lockdown. Furthermore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the president requested an additional 500 National Guard troops to reinforce the more than 2,000 already deployed in Washington. Police officials stated the attacker acted alone, targeting soldiers on a high-visibility patrol.
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Local leaders, including Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, labelled the incident a deliberate attack during a tense standoff with federal authorities over troop deployment in the capital. Meanwhile, the shooting came days after a court ruling challenged the National Guard’s law enforcement role, adding to ongoing political friction. Trump has also deployed troops to several other cities to address what he describes as rising crime and unrest.