Rahmanullah Lakanwal 29-year-old Afghan national has been identified as the suspect who shot two uniformed National Guard members near the White House

Washington, D.C. — November 26, 2025

A 29-year-old Afghan national has been named as the suspect in the targeted ambush of two West Virginia National Guard members patrolling near the White House. The midday shooting, which left both victims in critical condition, prompted a swift response from law enforcement and drew immediate condemnation from top officials.The incident unfolded around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro Station in downtown Washington, at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW—a bustling area just two blocks from the White House.

Authorities described the attack as a brazen ambush: The suspect, later identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly lay in wait before emerging from around a corner, raising a handgun, and firing at the uniformed guardsmen while they conducted high-visibility patrols.

One victim was struck in the chest and head, while the other sustained gunshot wounds to the head; both were rushed to MedStar Washington Hospital Center via medical helicopter for emergency treatment.

The two victims, whose identities have not been released pending family notification, were part of a contingent of approximately 181 West Virginia National Guard members deployed among roughly 2,100 troops supporting federal law enforcement efforts in the district.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially announced on social media that both had succumbed to their injuries, but quickly retracted the statement, citing "conflicting reports" from initial briefings.

As of late afternoon, officials confirmed the guardsmen remained in critical but stable condition, with surgeons working to address their severe injuries.Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome—the Biden administration's evacuation and resettlement program for Afghan allies during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan—was last known to reside in Bellingham, Washington.

Little is publicly known about his background beyond his immigrant status, and no prior criminal record or red flags have been immediately disclosed by investigators. During the chaotic exchange, a third National Guard member returned fire, striking Lakanwal four times and wounding him severely.

Bystander video and witness accounts captured fellow guardsmen subduing the bloodied suspect—described as nearly naked after shedding clothing during the struggle—until Metropolitan Police Department officers arrived to take him into custody.

He was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being formally detained.

No motive has been established for the attack, though D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that Lakanwal "appeared to target these guardsmen" in what she called a deliberate act.

The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation, classifying it as an assault on federal law enforcement officers and probing it as a potential act of terrorism, according to Director Kash Patel.

"This was a horrendous act of violence against those who protect us all," Patel said in a statement. "The perpetrator will be brought to justice."President Donald Trump, addressing the nation via Truth Social, decried the shooting as an assault on American heroes and vowed severe consequences. "The shooter was severely wounded and will pay a very steep price," Trump wrote, echoing sentiments from across the political spectrum.

The attack comes amid heightened security in Washington due to the ongoing deployment of National Guard units, a measure implemented in response to recent civil unrest and election-related tensions.Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll detailed the rapid response at a press conference near the scene, noting that the suspect acted alone and that no additional threats were believed to be present.

The area was swiftly locked down, with streets cordoned off and federal agents swarming the vicinity. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots followed by screams, with one local office worker telling reporters, "It was like something out of a movie—right in the middle of the day, so close to the White House." 17GEN4.com