Two National Guard members from West Virginia were critically injured in a targeted shooting near the White House on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a swift federal response and raising security concerns in the nation’s capital. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. EST near the Farragut Square Metro Station, just blocks from the executive mansion, in what authorities described as an ambush.
A lone suspect, identified as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021, opened fire on the two soldiers during their patrol. Other National Guard members nearby heard the gunshots and intervened, subduing the attacker after an exchange of gunfire that left the suspect with non-life-threatening injuries. The quick response by fellow troops likely prevented further casualties, according to law enforcement officials.
The two wounded Guardsmen were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition. Initial reports from West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey suggested they had died, but he later retracted the statement, citing conflicting information. As of Wednesday evening, both soldiers remained in critical but stable condition, with medical teams working to save their lives.
FBI Director Kash Patel, leading the investigation, condemned the attack as a “brazen act of violence” and confirmed that the suspect is in custody. The Department of Homeland Security named the individual as Rahmanullah Lakamal, though his exact immigration status remains unclear. President Donald Trump, speaking from Florida, labeled the shooting an “act of evil” and vowed that the perpetrator would “pay the steepest possible price.”
In response to the incident, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., bolstering the existing force of nearly 2,200 members. The deployment aims to enhance security in the capital, particularly around government buildings and public spaces, as the investigation into the motive continues.
The shooting has reignited debates over the use of National Guard troops in U.S. cities, a policy Trump initiated in August to address what he called “out of control” crime. While crime statistics in D.C. have shown a decline since the deployment, critics argue it represents federal overreach, and a recent court order has put the future of the troop presence in jeopardy.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with gunshots echoing through the busy lunch-hour streets and people fleeing for safety. Stacy Walters, who was nearby, heard two initial shots followed by three more, prompting a rapid law enforcement response that included helicopters and multiple agencies. The area was cordoned off, with shattered glass and emergency vehicles visible for hours.
As the nation prepares for Thanksgiving, the attack underscores ongoing security challenges and the political tensions surrounding immigration and public safety. Investigations are focused on determining the shooter’s motives, while the administration has temporarily halted processing of Afghan immigration requests to review vetting protocols. The incident is likely to influence future policy decisions on both domestic security and international refugee admissions.
