Two National Guard members were shot near the White House in a targeted attack, with an Afghan national named as the alleged shooter who was reportedly lying in wait, according to US media reports
Emergency vehicles gather at a cordoned off area where National Guard soldiers appear to have been shot near the White House Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington.(Image: AP)
An Afghan national has been identified as the suspected shooter in an incident where two US National Guard members were shot near the White House, according to multiple sources. The suspect, 29 year old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the US in 2021.
The NY Post reports that Lakanwal allegedly lay in wait before he rounded the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2.15pm. He then opened fire, hitting a female guard in the chest and then shooting her in the head, according to law enforcement sources.
The guards were on duty when the targeted attack occurred. Both are in critical condition in hospital, says FBI director Kash Patel.
As reported by AP, the suspect was shot four times and was taken away in an ambulance nearly naked. Authorities are still working to fully confirm his background.
Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, stated that investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators, reports the Mirror.
“This was a targeted shooting,” Ms Bowser said.
West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey initially announced that the troops had died, but later stated his office was “receiving conflicting reports” about their condition. A suspect who was in custody was also shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement source.
The Trump administration swiftly dispatched 500 additional National Guard personnel to Washington following the shooting incident.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that President Donald Trump had requested the deployment of extra troops.
The attack occurred approximately two blocks northwest of the White House, close to a metro station.
Upon hearing the gunshots, other military personnel in the vicinity rushed to the scene and restrained the attacker after he had been shot, according to Mr Carroll.
“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard. At this point, we have no other suspects,” Mr Carroll told a news conference.
A separate law enforcement official revealed that at least one Guard member had returned fire during the confrontation with the shooter.
Mr Trump, who was spending Thanksgiving in Florida, issued a warning on social media that the “animal” responsible for shooting the guard members “will pay a very steep price”.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”.