Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been identified as the gunman responsible for shooting two West Virginia National Guard troops near the White House in Washington, DC. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon around 2:15 PM local time near the Farragut West Metro Station, a busy area close to the nations most secure federal buildings. Lakanwal, who arrived in the U.S. during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal under Operation Allies Welcome, reportedly positioned himself around the corner and fired upon the two guardsmen during their patrol, critically injuring both before being subdued by a third guard.​

The attack has been described as targeted and deliberate by authorities, with the FBI treating the case as a possible act of terrorism. The two National Guard members remain in critical condition in local hospitals, while Lakanwal was shot multiple times during the confrontation and taken into custody. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Lakanwal acted alone, though his motive remains unknown. The incident prompted an immediate lockdown of the White House and nearby federal facilities and led to President Donald Trump ordering the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to enhance security in Washington, DC.​

Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s background reveals he was resettled in Bellingham, Washington, after entering the United States through the federal evacuation and resettlement program for Afghan nationals post-2021. The shooting has raised concerns about the vetting and monitoring processes for migrants arriving under such programs, amid ongoing debates about domestic security and terrorism threats. The federal response has been swift, emphasizing protection for law enforcement personnel and federal officers, especially in high-profile areas like the nation’s capital.​

This attack near the White House marks one of the rare high-profile violent incidents targeting National Guard members on U.S. soil, underlining vulnerabilities even in the most heavily guarded locations. It has reignited discussions about the challenges faced by security agencies in balancing public safety with the complexities of immigration and resettlement policies. The situation remains under active investigation as authorities piece together Lakanwals motivations and background to prevent future attacks.​

The case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal emphasizes the critical need for constant vigilance and comprehensive security measures in key urban centers. The incident also spotlights the broader implications of integrating migrants from conflict zones, illustrating the unpredictable nature of lone-actor attacks and their potential consequences on national security.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Times of India.