On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard — deployed in Washington under a broader federal security mission — were shot just blocks from the White House. The incident happened near the Farragut West Metro Station at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, in the city’s downtown area.
Officials from the Metropolitan Police Department described the event as an “ambush-style” attack carried out by a lone gunman. The suspect reportedly opened fire without warning while the guardsmen were on foot patrol, then fled briefly before being subdued by other Guard members present at the scene. (CBS News)
Suspect in custody — identity revealed
Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 and previously lived in Washington state. The suspect was wounded during the incident and taken into custody. At this stage authorities are treating the motive as unknown and investigations are ongoing. (CBS News)
Officials are investigating all aspects of the case, including possible motives and whether the attack was connected to broader security or political tensions.
Victims’ condition, official reactions and security response
After initial confusion — including a statement by the governor of West Virginia indicating that the guardsmen had died — authorities clarified that both remain hospitalized in critical condition.
The shooting prompted swift reaction from national leadership. Donald J. Trump, the U.S. President, condemned the attack and ordered additional troops deployed to Washington. The U.S. Department of Defense announced that 500 additional National Guard members will be sent to the capital, supplementing the roughly 2,200 already deployed as part of a broader crime-deterrence program.
Local officials including the Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, described the shooting as a “targeted attack,” underlining the gravity of the circumstances.
