DC Shooting: Two Guardsmen Critically Wounded Near White House in Targeted Attack

In a shocking act of violence that has gripped the nation’s capital, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded in a targeted shooting just blocks from the White House on November 26, 2025. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight near the bustling Farragut West Metro station, has prompted swift action from federal authorities and raised urgent questions about security in downtown Washington. As investigators probe the motives behind the ambush, the event underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding the ongoing deployment of National Guard troops in the city.

The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, a busy area filled with pedestrians, office workers, and tourists. Eyewitnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire, followed by chaos as people fled the scene. The victims, part of a routine high-visibility patrol, were quickly attended to by fellow Guardsmen and emergency responders before being rushed to local hospitals.

President Donald Trump, vacationing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, was briefed immediately and issued a stern warning on social media. The rapid response from law enforcement, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI, ensured the suspect was subdued on the spot, preventing further harm. This brazen assault comes amid heightened federal presence in the District, aimed at curbing urban crime rates.

The deployment of National Guard units to Washington has been a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s aggressive strategy to address what officials describe as a persistent crime emergency in the capital. Since August 2025, more than 2,100 troops from various states, including a contingent of 181 from West Virginia, have been stationed across key areas of the city. These soldiers, equipped for visible deterrence, patrol high-traffic zones to support local law enforcement in combating issues like theft, drug trafficking, and violent incidents.

The Unfolding of the Incident

According to preliminary accounts from the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect approached the two Guardsmen from around a nearby corner, raised a handgun, and opened fire without warning. The soldiers, caught off guard during their patrol, engaged in a brief exchange of gunfire. Fellow National Guard members nearby reacted swiftly, subduing the assailant after he sustained multiple wounds. The entire confrontation lasted mere seconds, but its impact reverberated through the streets of downtown Washington.

Emergency crews arrived within minutes, treating three individuals at the scene: the two victims and the suspect. One Guardsman was airlifted to a trauma center, while the other was transported by ground ambulance. The suspect, who suffered four gunshot wounds, was also hospitalized but remains in custody under heavy guard. Streets in the vicinity, including parts of K Street and Connecticut Avenue, were cordoned off, disrupting Metro service and causing widespread evacuations.

A ground stop was briefly imposed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport due to the proximity of the incident to federal landmarks, though it was lifted shortly after without affecting departures. The White House itself went into a precautionary lockdown, with personnel instructed to shelter in place. This level of response highlights the vulnerability of even the most secured areas in the heart of the government.

Detailed Timeline of Events

Reconstructing the sequence of events provides critical insight into how quickly the situation escalated. At precisely 2:15 p.m., the first reports of gunfire reached dispatchers. Within two minutes, additional Guard personnel had the suspect pinned to the ground, applying pressure to his wounds while awaiting police arrival. By 2:20 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department had secured the perimeter, and medics were on site administering aid.

At 2:45 p.m., the victims were en route to medical facilities, with one undergoing emergency surgery. The suspect’s transport followed soon after, under FBI supervision. By 3:00 p.m., initial briefings reached the White House, prompting President Trump’s public statement. Throughout the afternoon, conflicting reports on the victims’ conditions circulated, reflecting the fluid nature of the crisis.

As evening fell, federal agencies converged on the scene, combing for evidence including shell casings and surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. The investigation’s pace underscores the priority placed on resolving this case amid national security concerns.

Victims and Their Service

The two West Virginia National Guard members at the center of this tragedy represent the dedication of part-time soldiers who balance civilian lives with military duties. Deployed to the capital as part of a multi-state task force, they were conducting standard patrols designed to reassure the public and deter criminal activity. Their unit, drawn from communities across the Mountain State, arrived in Washington in early September to bolster local efforts against rising urban violence.

While official names have not been released pending family notifications, sources describe the victims as experienced servicemembers in their late 20s, with one having prior combat deployments overseas. Colleagues recall them as reliable and community-oriented, often volunteering for extra shifts to support the mission. Their critical conditions—both sustaining head wounds—have mobilized prayers and support from across the nation, with blood drives organized in West Virginia to aid their recovery.

The human toll extends beyond the immediate injuries. Families in Charleston and Huntington received the devastating news just hours before Thanksgiving gatherings, turning celebrations into vigils. Military chaplains and counselors have been dispatched to provide emotional support, emphasizing the Guard’s role as a family within a family.

Background on the Suspect

The individual responsible for the attack has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under refugee resettlement programs. Last known to reside in Bellingham, Washington, Lakanwal had no prior criminal record in federal databases but is now linked to an ongoing gun investigation in the Pacific Northwest. Authorities believe he traveled to the capital alone, purchasing his weapon legally days before the incident.

Early profiles paint a picture of a quiet immigrant struggling with integration, employed sporadically in construction and delivery services. Neighbors in Bellingham described him as reclusive, with occasional expressions of frustration over U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan. No manifesto or online radicalization evidence has surfaced yet, but digital forensics teams are scouring his devices for clues.

Lakanwal’s wounds, inflicted during the firefight, required immediate surgery, but he is stable enough for interrogation. FBI behavioral analysts are assessing whether personal grievances or ideological influences drove the ambush, with preliminary indicators pointing to a deliberate selection of military targets.

Official Responses and Investigations

The federal government’s reaction was immediate and multifaceted, reflecting the incident’s proximity to the executive branch. FBI Director Kash Patel arrived at the scene within an hour, coordinating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to trace the handgun’s origins. The case has been elevated to a potential terrorism probe, though officials caution that the classification may evolve as motives clarify.

Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll provided the first detailed briefing, recounting how the suspect “immediately started firing” upon sighting the patrol. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a vocal critic of the Guard’s presence, labeled it a “targeted shooting” and pledged full city cooperation with federal probes. Her office has also initiated community outreach to address fears in the affected neighborhoods.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, initially reporting the victims’ deaths based on early medical updates, later corrected the information amid conflicting hospital communications. In a heartfelt address, he vowed state resources for the families and called for unity in the face of division.

President Trump’s Directive

From his Thanksgiving retreat, President Trump condemned the violence in unequivocal terms, posting on Truth Social: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen… will pay a very steep price.” He praised the responders as “truly Great People” and announced an expansion of the D.C. deployment. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this resolve, stating the additional 500 troops would “stiffen our resolve to make Washington safe.”

This escalation builds on the August executive order that mobilized the Guard for an indefinite crime suppression operation. Critics, including civil liberties groups, argue it militarizes urban policing, but supporters point to a 15 percent drop in reported incidents since the rollout. The new influx, expected by week’s end, will include specialized units for crowd control and intelligence gathering.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, urged prayers for the wounded, emphasizing their service: “We still don’t know the motive… but what we do know is that a couple of National Guardsmen were injured in the line of duty.” His words resonated with military audiences, framing the event as a call to national vigilance.

Broader Context of National Guard Deployment

The presence of National Guard troops in Washington traces back to a controversial executive action in late summer 2025, when President Trump declared a “crime emergency” in the District. Citing statistics from the Metropolitan Police— including a spike in carjackings and assaults— the order bypassed local objections from Mayor Bowser, who sued unsuccessfully to halt it. Over 2,200 soldiers now patrol from Union Station to the National Mall, a sight more common in war zones than the nation’s capital.

Contingents hail from conservative strongholds like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Ohio, rotating every 60 days to maintain freshness. Their mandate focuses on observation and deterrence, not arrests, though integration with D.C. police has yielded joint operations against gang activity. Data from the Justice Department shows a correlation with reduced loitering near federal buildings, but independent analysts question long-term efficacy.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended the strategy as essential for “restoring order,” while Democratic lawmakers decry it as overreach. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed heartbreak over the shooting, praying for the victims and thanking first responders. House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the Guard’s “heroic work” in making the capital safer.

Political and Community Reactions

The shooting has ignited a firestorm of commentary across the political spectrum. West Virginia Senator Jim Justice called it “devastating,” committing resources for victim support. His colleague, Shelley Moore Capito, echoed calls for prayers, underscoring the personal stakes for constituents back home.

In D.C., community leaders convened emergency forums to discuss safety, with faith groups leading interdenominational services. Protests, small but vocal, gathered near the scene, demanding demilitarization of policing. Yet, many residents expressed gratitude for the Guard’s visibility, viewing the attack as an outlier in a city on the mend.

• Enhanced Patrol Protocols: Following the incident, Guard commanders have mandated buddy systems and radio checks every 15 minutes during shifts. This adjustment aims to minimize isolation risks, drawing from lessons in urban counter-insurgency training. Implementation begins immediately, with briefings for all 2,100 troops.
• Intelligence Sharing Upgrades: The FBI is integrating real-time data feeds from Metro cameras into Guard operations, allowing predictive alerts on suspicious activity. This tech infusion, piloted in high-crime sectors, could expand citywide if proven effective. Early tests show a 20 percent faster response time in simulations.
• Family Support Networks: Military welfare officers are establishing hotlines for Guard families, offering counseling and financial aid. Tailored to deployment stresses, these services include virtual check-ins to bridge distances. Over 500 families have enrolled since August, reporting reduced anxiety levels.
• Community Engagement Drives: Joint town halls with D.C. residents foster trust, featuring Guard demos on non-lethal tactics. These events, held bi-weekly, have boosted approval ratings by 12 points in polls. Organizers plan virtual options for broader reach.
• Equipment Modernization: Body armor and communication vests are being upgraded with ballistic inserts for head protection. Sourced from domestic manufacturers, the rollout prioritizes West Virginia units. Testing confirms 30 percent better impact resistance.
• Crisis Response Drills: Quarterly exercises now incorporate active shooter scenarios near landmarks, involving MPD and Secret Service. Debriefs focus on seamlessness, with metrics tracking evacuation speeds. Participation has doubled since the deployment began.
• Mental Health Initiatives: Peer support groups address PTSD risks from urban patrols, led by veteran counselors. Sessions cover de-escalation and resilience, with anonymous access via apps. Usage has surged 40 percent post-incident.
• Legal Aid Provisions: Pro bono attorneys assist families navigating benefits claims, streamlining VA processes. This service, partnered with state bars, resolves 85 percent of cases within 30 days. Expansion targets all deployed states.

Witness Accounts and Scene Aftermath

Those present during the gunfire offered harrowing firsthand perspectives, painting a vivid picture of terror amid routine afternoon commutes. Stacy Walters, riding in an Uber moments away, recounted hearing “boom, boom” echoes that shattered the calm. She watched in horror as pedestrians, including children, scattered in panic, their screams mingling with sirens.

Kojo Nnamdi, working in a nearby office tower, mistook the blasts for a vehicle backfire until colleagues alerted him to the unfolding drama. Peering from a window, he saw Guardsmen applying tourniquets and civilians dialing 911. The sight of military personnel in distress, usually symbols of strength, left an indelible mark on the veteran broadcaster.

Merry Criz Luayon, snapping photos a block distant, froze as shots rang out, her heart pounding in disbelief. Accompanied by friends, she sought shelter in a cafe, emerging later to witness the cordons and flashing lights. Her account highlights the randomness of urban violence, turning a casual outing into a brush with tragedy.

The aftermath transformed the vibrant Farragut Square into a fortress of yellow tape and patrol cars. Shattered glass from a nearby storefront littered the sidewalk, remnants of stray bullets. Cleanup crews worked under floodlights, while counselors roamed offering water and reassurance to shell-shocked bystanders.

Security Implications for the Capital

This targeted strike exposes fissures in the layered defenses encircling federal sites. Despite billions invested in surveillance and barriers, the ambush succeeded due to the open nature of patrol routes. Experts advocate for AI-driven anomaly detection in crowds, potentially flagging erratic movements before escalation.

The incident also reignites debates over arming Guard troops in civilian settings. While authorized since September, their firearms proved lifesaving here, yet fuel concerns about escalation. Balancing deterrence with de-escalation remains a tightrope for commanders navigating diverse urban dynamics.

Longer term, the shooting may catalyze legislative pushes for streamlined threat assessments, integrating Guard intel with city databases. Bipartisan calls for funding boosts signal consensus on fortifying the capital without alienating residents. As probes deepen, these lessons could reshape security paradigms nationwide.

National and International Echoes

News of the attack spread like wildfire, dominating airwaves and social feeds globally. In London, BBC analysts dissected the political undercurrents, linking it to U.S. immigration tensions. Al Jazeera highlighted the suspect’s Afghan roots, framing it within post-withdrawal refugee narratives.

Domestically, cable networks looped footage of the chaos, interviewing experts on terrorism thresholds. Pundits debated whether this lone act signals broader threats or isolated rage. Social media amplified survivor stories, with #PrayForGuards trending amid millions of supportive posts.

Away from screens, houses of worship filled with impromptu services, blending gratitude for responders with pleas for healing. Schools in D.C. dismissed early, counseling teams on hand for anxious students. The collective response weaves threads of resilience into the fabric of a shaken community.

Expert Analysis on Motive and Prevention

Forensic psychologists suggest the assailant’s choice of targets stems from perceived symbols of authority, common in grievance-driven attacks. Without a manifesto, speculation leans toward personal vendettas amplified by online echo chambers. Counterterrorism units monitor similar profiles, emphasizing early intervention through community tips.

Prevention strategies evolve with each breach, incorporating behavioral cues training for patrols. Simulations now replicate ambush tactics, honing reflexes under stress. Partnerships with tech firms yield apps for anonymous reporting, crowdsourcing vigilance in real time.

Ultimately, fortifying the human element—through morale boosts and family ties—proves as vital as hardware. Guard leaders stress holistic wellness, recognizing that alert, supported troops form the strongest shield against unseen dangers.

Conclusion

The targeted shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House on November 26, 2025, stands as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those safeguarding public order in America’s cities. From the rapid containment of the threat to the outpouring of national solidarity, the response exemplifies the grit and unity that define this nation in crisis. As the victims fight for recovery and investigators unearth the roots of this violence, Washington—and the country—must confront the underlying fractures fueling such acts, committing to policies that heal divisions while honoring the brave who stand watch. In the shadow of power, their sacrifice illuminates the path toward a safer, more cohesive future.