In a shocking act of violence just blocks away from the White House 🏛️, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically injured after being shot by a 29-year-old Afghan migrant, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, in Washington DC. The incident, which unfolded near the Farragut West Metro Station on Monday afternoon, has sparked fresh concerns around US security, immigration vetting, and the growing militarisation of the nation’s capital.
Authorities described it as a “targeted shooting” 🚨, and federal investigators are now probing whether the attack was an act of terrorism.
🔍 Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?
According to US media reports, Lakanwal arrived in the United States during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation, under the Biden administration’s emergency resettlement programme — Operation Allies Welcome.
He was reportedly resettled in Bellingham, Washington, before relocating to the east coast.
Law enforcement officials told NBC and The Washington Post that:
- He lived in Washington state after resettlement
- The FBI is treating the case as a possible terror-linked incident ⚠️
- Investigators are reviewing his online activity, associates, and motive
Even though he acted alone, his background and entry into the country have raised political questions about the vetting process during the chaotic Kabul airlift.
🔫 How the Attack Happened
The shooting occurred around 2:15 pm (local time) near Farragut West Metro Station, a busy location in downtown Washington DC.
According to NY Post and law enforcement sources:
- Lakanwal waited around a corner before ambushing two armed National Guard members.
- He shot a female guard in the chest and then in the head, leaving her in extremely critical condition.
- He fired multiple rounds at the second guard as well.
- A third National Guard member rushed in and neutralised the gunman before more lives were lost.
Witnesses reported chaos as police, ambulances 🚑 and security units swarmed the area within minutes.
Lakanwal was shot four times and taken into custody nearly naked, after his clothes were removed for medical treatment.
🩺 Condition of the Injured Soldiers
Both soldiers suffered life-threatening injuries and were rushed to a nearby trauma centre.
They remain in critical condition, according to official updates from the National Guard.
Federal officials have expressed concern that the shooting appeared to be a deliberate attack on uniformed security personnel — potentially signalling ideological motivations.
🇺🇸 Political and Security Reaction
The shooting has sent shockwaves through US security circles and political leadership.
✔ Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser
Called it a “targeted shooting”, assuring that the city would remain on heightened alert.
✔ US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth
Announced the deployment of an additional 500 troops to Washington DC.
✔ FBI Director Kash Patel
Said the case will be prosecuted at the federal level:
“This is an assault on federal law enforcement officers.”
The FBI, DHS and military intelligence have jointly opened a full-scale investigation.
🪖 Background: Why So Many National Guard Troops in Washington?
Under President Trump’s ongoing public-safety crackdown, thousands of National Guard personnel have been deployed in Washington DC to stabilise crime-affected neighbourhoods.
Currently:
- 2,400+ National Guard troops are stationed in DC
- ≈ 958 from DC National Guard
- ≈ 1,300 from eight other states
- Deployment is approved through summer 2026
Some see their presence as essential for maintaining order, while critics warn it blurs the line between civilian policing and military operations.
The shooting has now intensified this national debate 🏛️🔥.
💥 Rising Concern Over Afghan Evacuee Vetting
Lakanwal’s arrival during the 2021 Kabul airlift has triggered renewed scrutiny.
Republican lawmakers argue:
- Vetting was rushed
- Security checks failed
- Thousands entered without sufficient background screening
Democrats counter that the vast majority of Afghan evacuees are law-abiding, and incidents like this should not fuel xenophobia.
However, both sides agree that the attack raises serious questions about national security gaps.
🕵️ What Happens Next?
The FBI is now:
- Retracing Lakanwal’s movements
- Investigating possible radicalisation
- Reviewing his psychological and social background
- Checking any ties to extremist groups
Washington DC remains on elevated alert ⚠️, especially around government buildings.
Meanwhile, the injured soldiers continue fighting for their lives.
