Two West Virginia National Guard soldiers were shot and seriously injured near the White House. Officials described the attack as a “targeted shooting.”
US President Donald Trump condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous assault” and “an act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terrorism.”
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The shooting occurred the day before Thanksgiving in a busy tourist area.
Here’s what you need to know about the shooting, the alleged attacker, and what’s next.
What happened in Washington DC?
Police said a lone suspect opened fire on the National Guard at around 2:15 p.m. local time (2:15 p.m. Japan time).
The suspect was also shot during the confrontation and was taken to a hospital for treatment, but remains in police custody.
Chief of Staff Jeffrey Carroll told reporters: “It appears that this was a lone gunman who drew a gun and ambushed the National Guard.”
CNN reported that the suspect walked up to three National Guardsmen, but did not appear to notice them until they opened fire. He shot one security guard, then another, then stood over the first victim and appeared to attempt another shot. At that point, a third guard fired back.
President Trump was in Florida at the time of the incident.
Approximately 2,200 National Guard troops are deployed across the nation’s capital, including 925 from the D.C. National Guard and more than 1,200 from other states.
What is the National Guard?
The National Guard is a reserve branch of the U.S. military that can be called upon during domestic emergencies such as natural disasters and civil wars, and can also support missions overseas.
Comprised of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, it has approximately 431,000 members, making it the second largest military in the country.
Each U.S. state and territory, as well as Washington, D.C., has its own National Guard troops. These departments answer to both state leaders and the federal government. This is different from the regular U.S. military, where active-duty members serve full-time under federal command.
Gov. Patrick Morrissey said the two soldiers injured Wednesday were members of the West Virginia National Guard.
A federal judge last week ordered a moratorium on President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., saying it was likely illegal. After the shooting, the Trump administration sought to reverse that decision.
Where was the filming done?
The shooting took place in Farragut Square. Farragut Square is a popular tourist area located near the transportation center and the White House.
Designed by Pierre L’Enfant in 1791, Farragut Square is a focal point in downtown Washington, DC.
The area, where lampposts are decorated with wreaths and bows for the holidays, is adjacent to fast-casual restaurants and coffee shops, and is home to two Washington Metro stations.
Who are the suspects?
Investigators identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Rakanwar.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Lakhanwal arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021 through Operation Welcoming Allies, a program launched under President Joe Biden’s administration to resettle Afghans after the Taliban regained control after the U.S. withdrawal.
“Based on the best information available, I can report that the Department of Homeland Security believes the suspect in our custody is an alien who entered our country from Afghanistan, hell on earth,” Trump said in a video message.
The suspect who shot and killed our brave National Guard was an Afghan national and one of many who were released on mass parole by the United States without review under Operation Welcoming Allies on September 8, 2021 under the Biden administration.
I will not utter the name of this corrupt individual.
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) November 27, 2025
What is “Operation Welcoming Allies”?
Operation Arise Welcome is a US program launched in 2021 to assist Afghans who fled the country after the Taliban seized power. Many of these Afghans were working with the U.S. military as interpreters, drivers, and support staff and feared they would be targeted. Others, including journalists and women’s rights activists, were also at risk.
Under the plan, tens of thousands of Afghans were transferred to U.S. military bases where they underwent medical examinations, received vaccinations and completed immigration formalities. They also underwent security inspections before moving into communities across the country.
According to the Congressional Research Service, about 76,000 Afghans have entered the United States through the effort, which lasted about a year. The plan later faced criticism from some Republicans who argued the review process was inadequate.
What’s next?
Following the attack, President Trump announced plans to expand deportation efforts and said his administration would review Afghans who arrived after the Taliban took over. “We must now retest all foreign nationals who enter our country from Afghanistan.”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would suspend processing of all Afghan immigration applications “pending further review of security and vetting procedures.”
Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that an additional 500 National Guard troops from unnamed states will be sent to Washington, D.C., to strengthen security and reassure the public.
Effective immediately, the processing of all entry applications involving Afghan nationals will be suspended indefinitely pending further review of security and screening protocols.
The protection and safety of our homeland and the American people remains our sole focus and…
— USCIS (@USCIS) November 27, 2025
What was your reaction?
President Trump said in a statement that he was “determined to make the animals who committed this cruelty pay the highest price possible.”
“We will not tolerate attacks like this on law and order by people who should not be in our country.”
President Trump speaks out about horrific attack on Great National Guard Warriors https://t.co/xDxRzJENU0
— White House (@WhiteHouse) November 27, 2025
Sean Vandiver, president of #AfghanEvac, a coalition supporting Afghans seeking immigration, said his organization believes the attackers should be held “fully accountable and prosecuted.” But he warned that the incident should not be used to “demonize Afghan society.”
Our statement regarding today’s horrific shooting.
Our hearts go out to the brave Guard members attacked today.
We will not let the actions of one crazy bastard become an excuse to harm an entire community of people. pic.twitter.com/LcMODaYEXD
— Shawn Vandiver (@shawnjvandiver) November 27, 2025
Former President Joe Biden said he and his wife, Jill, are “heartbroken” after the shooting.
“Violence of any kind is unacceptable and we must all come together to combat it. We are praying for our service members and their families,” Biden wrote to X.
Jill and I are heartbroken that two National Guard members were shot and killed outside the White House. Violence of any kind is unacceptable and we must all unite against it. We pray for the repose of the souls of the soldiers and their families.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 26, 2025
Former US President Barack Obama shared a post on social media condemning the attack, saying “violence has no place in America”.
Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I pray for the service members shot today in Washington, D.C., and send love to their families as they celebrate the holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 27, 2025
National Guard Chief Gen. Steven Nordhaus said he was returning to Washington, D.C., from Guantanamo Bay, where he was spending Thanksgiving at a U.S. military base.
Rains SEA and I, along with the entire National Guard family, pray for the speedy recovery of the two West Virginia National Guard heroes who were shot and killed today while defending our nation’s capital. pic.twitter.com/iOj465v1Aa
— Gen. Steven Nordhaus (@ChiefNGB) November 26, 2025
