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US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it an “act of terror” and a “crime against humanity.”
Trump Calls Afghan Gunman’s Attack on Guards an “Act of Terror”
Washington, DC: Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically injured on Wednesday afternoon after being shot just blocks from the White House in a targeted attack. The suspected gunman, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 pm local time. Lakanwal, who came to the U.S. during the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal under Operation Allies Welcome, was shot four times and taken into police custody.
According to law enforcement sources, Lakanwal first shot a female guard in the chest and head before firing at a second guard. A third nearby National Guard member intervened, stopping the suspect. Both victims were hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities confirmed the suspect acted alone and has not disclosed a motive.
Lakanwal had been resettled in Bellingham, Washington, and later lived in Washington state. The FBI is investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism. Police described the incident as a “brazen act of violence,” while Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called it a “targeted shooting.”
In response, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that an additional 500 National Guard troops would be deployed to the capital. Currently, around 2,400 Guard personnel, including 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1,300 from eight other states, are stationed in Washington, a deployment extended through summer 2026.
US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it an “act of terror” and a “crime against humanity.” Speaking to the media, Trump said, “This was a heinous assault and an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation.” He added that the suspect came to the U.S. from Afghanistan during the 2021 airlift and criticized former President Joe Biden, claiming, “The suspect was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021.” Trump further stated that his administration would review the entry of all Afghan nationals admitted during Biden’s tenure.
MAJOR UPDATE FROM POTUS 🚨
President Trump gives an update on the shooting that happened in Washington DC today
pic.twitter.com/sQ9zvfoxc1— Angrywhitedude (@Angrywhite123) November 27, 2025
The incident has sparked debate over the prolonged deployment of National Guard troops in Washington. Supporters argue the presence helps maintain public safety, while critics warn it blurs the line between military and civilian law enforcement. The FBI confirmed that the case will be prosecuted at the federal level.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the motive and circumstances of the attack.
