Former Afghan Soldier Arrested for Shooting National Guard Members Near White House

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack as a "targeted shooting".

A 29-year-old Afghan national, arrested for shooting two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House in Washington, DC, had previously served as a soldier alongside US military forces, according to sources. Rahmanullah Lakanwal had served in the 01 Unit during the former Afghan Republic – a unit established, trained, and equipped by US intelligence, as reported by sources in the Afghan Taliban government.

These sources indicated that many members of this unit currently experience psychological issues, sometimes resulting in suicides or attacks against others.

Lakanwal, who "gravely wounded two National Guards," is a migrant from Afghanistan who arrived in the US during the tumultuous 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Reports state he waited before rounding the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 pm (local time) and opened fire, striking a female guard in the chest before shooting her in the head, according to The New York Post, citing law enforcement sources.

The gunman reportedly continued firing at the second guard until a third guard stationed nearby rushed to the scene and subdued him. The two armed soldiers who were patrolling the streets when attacked were transported to a nearby hospital and remain in critical condition, authorities confirmed.

According to reports, Lakanwal entered America under Operation Allies Welcome and was resettled in Bellingham, Washington. This initiative brought approximately 76,000 people to the US, many of whom had worked alongside US troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators.

The program has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans, and government watchdogs over potential gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates maintain it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals.

Media outlets including NBC and The Washington Post reported that law enforcement officials and individuals familiar with the investigation indicated Lakanwal had lived in Washington state after arriving in the United States, with NBC reporting the FBI is investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism.

Reports state he was shot four times after attacking the National Guard members and was transported nearly naked in an ambulance.

Police stated he acted alone and has not revealed a motive for the attack.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser characterized the attack as a "targeted shooting".

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that the administration has ordered the deployment of an additional 500 troops to Washington.

During a media address, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the case will be prosecuted at the federal level since "this is an assault on federal law enforcement officers."

Multiple states have sent Guard personnel to Washington in recent months as part of President Trump's public-safety initiative. The mission has subsequently expanded to several other major US cities.

There are approximately 2,400 National Guard troops currently deployed in Washington, which includes around 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1,300 from eight other states. The deployment has been extended through the summer of 2026.

The presence of National Guard forces in Washington has been politically controversial. Supporters argue the deployment has helped stabilize crime-affected neighborhoods, while critics contend that the prolonged presence of out-of-state troops blurs the distinction between civilian law enforcement and military operations.