On November 26, 2025, two members of the United States National Guard (US National Guard) were critically wounded near the White House in Washington, DC. Police arrested a suspect, identified by US media as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan migrant who entered the US in 2021 under a special visa programme.
The attack happened near the Farragut West metro station, a busy transit hub just two blocks from the presidential complex.
Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?
According to law enforcement sources, Lakanwal is 29 years old. He came to the United States in 2021 under a special visa programme for Afghans who helped US forces during the Afghanistan war and were vulnerable after the US withdrawal.
Officials say he had been living in Washington state before the attack. Federal agencies have not officially confirmed all details of his identity and background. The investigation is ongoing.
What Happened at the Farragut West Metro Station?
At about 2:15 p.m. local time, the suspect reportedly approached two guardsmen patrolling near 17th and I Streets NW — a block from the White House — and opened fire.
Witnesses said the attack looked like an ambush. Police described it as a “targeted shooting.” A third guard then intervened. The suspect was shot and later taken into custody. Authorities say no other suspects are at large.
The two injured soldiers are in critical condition at a DC hospital. Their identities remain withheld pending family notification.
Government Response & Security Fallout
The shooting triggered immediate security action. The surrounding area — including the White House and nearby buildings — went on lockdown.
The investigation involves multiple federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US Secret Service, and local police. Officials said the shooting could be treated as an act of terrorism. In response, the government reportedly moved to increase the National Guard presence in Washington, DC.
Questions over Afghan Resettlement Vetting Process
The suspect’s background has sparked debate about the vetting and oversight of Afghan migrants who arrived under US evacuation and resettlement programmes after the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
Some security experts now call for a review of these programmes to ensure better background checks and ongoing monitoring. They argue that such incidents — rare but serious — can undermine public trust and security.
Advocacy groups, however, warn against broad-brush conclusions. They highlight that most resettled migrants pose no threat and deserve protection. They urge authorities to ensure fairness and not conflate migration with crime.
