Washington, D.C., Afghan Refugee Shoots Near White House: witnessed a shocking act of violence on Wednesday evening when an Afghan refugee shot near the White House, injuring two National Guard members in a sudden and unprovoked attack. The shooting, which occurred just two blocks away from the White House, sent shockwaves across the nation and raised new concerns about security in the capital. Authorities quickly arrested the assailant after a dramatic confrontation.
According to officials, federal investigators have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in August 2021. He later applied for asylum status in 2024 and received approval earlier this year.
Attack Near Farragut West Metro Station
The violent incident unfolded near the bustling Farragut West Metro Station, just a short distance from the White House complex. Authorities say Lakanwal lingered near the area for some time before suddenly opening fire around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to reports published by the New York Post, the attacker first targeted a female National Guard member. He allegedly shot her twice—once in the chest and then in the head. Moments later, he turned his weapon on another National Guard officer, firing multiple rounds.
A third National Guard member who happened to be nearby raced toward the suspect and managed to overpower him after a physical struggle. Before he was subdued, officers returned fire, striking Lakanwal four times. Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect was taken into an ambulance with minimal clothing, as first responders urgently attempted to save his life.
Investigation Treating the Incident as Possible Terrorism
Following the attack, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that the shooting is being investigated as a possible terrorist act. Given the location, timing, and method of the attack, federal agencies are scrutinizing every angle, although no motive has been confirmed yet.
President Donald Trump ordered immediate reinforcements, directing the Pentagon to deploy 500 additional National Guard personnel to Washington, D.C. to strengthen security measures across the city.
Speaking from the White House, Trump condemned the attack in powerful terms, declaring that the suspect “will pay a heavy price.” He also referred to the attacker as a “beast,” adding that the assault was not only a crime against the security forces but “a crime against the nation” and “a crime against humanity.”
Trump later wrote on Truth Social:
“We are incredibly proud of our National Guard and all security forces. My entire team stands with them. This attack is a crime against our entire nation.”
Although authorities confirm Lakanwal acted alone, his motive remains unclear.
Suspect Was Resettled Under ‘Operation Allies Welcome’
Multiple reports from NBC and The Washington Post indicate that Lakanwal arrived in the United States under Operation Allies Welcome, a special resettlement program created to support Afghan evacuees after the fall of Kabul. Under this program, he was relocated to Bellingham, Washington, before moving to the East Coast.
The suspect had no known criminal record prior to the attack. Investigators are now reviewing his history, travel patterns, online activity, and associations to determine whether he was influenced by extremist ideology or acted out of personal motives.
President Trump criticized former President Joe Biden’s administration, claiming that the suspect was allowed into the country under Biden-era evacuation policies.
Controversy Over National Guard Deployment in D.C.
The incident comes at a time when the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. has already been the subject of significant political and legal debate. Months earlier, the Trump administration increased National Guard presence, citing a rise in violent crime in the city. The administration federalized the D.C. Police Department and summoned troops from eight states and the District of Columbia.
Although the original order expired after one month, many National Guard troops remained stationed in the city.
Just last week, a federal judge ordered that National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. be terminated. However, with an appeal likely, the judge temporarily paused the order for 21 days. The shooting near the White House occurred during this interim period, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and political dispute.
The new attack has reignited public debate about security preparedness and the role of federal forces in the nation’s capital.
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Recent Attack at Military Base in Georgia Adds to Security Concerns
This latest shooting follows another security incident earlier this year. On August 6, a gunman opened fire at Fort Stewart, a major military base in Georgia, injuring five soldiers. The attacker, who was later apprehended, was also reported to be a service member. Several sections of the installation were placed on lockdown following the shooting.
Wounded soldiers received emergency treatment at the site before being transferred to Winn Army Community Hospital for further medical care. The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the administration was closely monitoring the situation.
Three nearby schools in Georgia also went into lockdown as a precautionary measure following the military base attack.
This series of violent incidents, including the latest case where an Afghan refugee shot near the White House, has intensified national conversations about security, immigration vetting, and counterterrorism strategies.
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Victims in Critical Condition as Investigation Continues
The two National Guard members injured in Wednesday’s shooting remain in critical condition, according to officials. One officer reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head, raising serious concerns about survival and long-term neurological impact.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the injured soldiers but confirm that their families have been notified and are receiving support.
The FBI, Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple federal agencies continue to collaborate on the investigation. Security around the White House and key landmarks in Washington, D.C. has been tightened significantly.
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Nation on Alert as Questions Mount
The attack raises a series of pressing questions that investigators and the public are eager to see answered:
- What motivated the attacker?
- Was the act preplanned?
- Were there missed warning signs during the asylum process?
- Could the attack have been prevented with different security protocols?
As the investigation continues, the nation remains on edge, grappling with the disturbing reality that an Afghan refugee shot near the White House, injuring American service members in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Federal authorities are expected to release further updates in the coming days. For now, Washington, D.C. remains under heightened security, and the country continues to await answers about this alarming and violent event.
