Two National Guard Soldiers Critically Injured Near White House

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Two members of the National Guard are in critical condition after being shot near the White House in Washington DC, in what city officials described as a “targeted shooting” that has shaken the nation. The attack occurred less than two blocks from the presidential residence, highlighting ongoing concerns about security in the nation’s capital.

According to police reports, a lone suspect opened fire on two soldiers from West Virginia on Wednesday afternoon near the Farragut Square Metro Station. The gunman was quickly subdued by other National Guard members who were nearby and responded immediately after hearing gunfire. The swift intervention prevented further injuries or casualties.

President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time of the shooting, identified the alleged gunman as an Afghan national who entered the United States in September 2021. He vowed that the suspect would face the “steepest possible price” for what he called “an act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terror.”

The Department of Homeland Security released a statement naming the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakamal, describing him as “a criminal alien from Afghanistan.” While details about Lakamal’s immigration status remain unclear, the attack has prompted immediate government action regarding Afghan immigration to the United States.

Following the incident, Trump announced that the US would re-examine every Afghan national who entered under special immigration protections during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 under former President Joe Biden. This announcement has led to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services temporarily halting the processing of all Afghan immigration requests as authorities review vetting protocols to ensure national security.

Tens of thousands of Afghans were evacuated and resettled in the United States following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in 2021. Many entered under programs such as Operation Allies Welcome, which provided temporary protected status and resettlement support. The shooting has intensified debates about the adequacy of vetting procedures for these programs and raised concerns about potential security risks.

Joint Task Force DC, which coordinates National Guard deployments in the capital, confirmed that the attack occurred at approximately 14:15 EST (17:15 GMT) on Wednesday. Emergency services and local law enforcement responded quickly, securing the area and providing immediate medical care to the injured soldiers. Both remain in critical condition at a nearby hospital, and authorities are monitoring their recovery closely.

City officials and security experts emphasized that the attack was isolated and that no further threats were detected in the surrounding areas. The DC Mayor called for calm and assured residents that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. Law enforcement agencies are also reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts to build a clear picture of the incident.

The shooting has raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of current security measures in the nation’s capital, particularly around high-profile government locations such as the White House. Officials have reiterated that the safety of both federal personnel and civilians remains a top priority, with additional security measures being evaluated in the aftermath of the attack.

Reactions from political leaders have been swift. While Trump focused on national security and immigration implications, other lawmakers have highlighted the bravery and quick response of National Guard members who prevented additional casualties. The incident has prompted renewed discussions on the training and support of military personnel stationed in high-risk urban areas.

Communities across the US have expressed solidarity with the injured soldiers and their families. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, and advocacy groups have called for enhanced security protocols for all military personnel serving in public spaces.

Experts in immigration and national security are monitoring the situation closely, noting that the incident could influence policy decisions for years to come. The temporary suspension of Afghan immigration, coupled with a re-evaluation of vetting procedures, is likely to have significant implications for individuals who have already resettled or are awaiting entry to the US.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to come forward. Law enforcement officials have assured the public that a comprehensive review of the case is underway, involving federal, state, and local agencies to ensure justice and prevent future threats.

The shooting near the White House serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by security personnel in the heart of the nation’s capital. It also underscores the importance of careful vetting procedures for immigrants from high-risk regions, as officials balance national security concerns with humanitarian and resettlement obligations.

While the investigation is ongoing, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured National Guard members and the protection of the community. Federal agencies have pledged transparency and collaboration, promising updates as the situation develops and further information becomes available.

This incident marks one of the most serious security breaches near the White House in recent years. As the country grapples with its immediate and long-term implications, the resilience and courage of the National Guard personnel involved have been widely acknowledged and praised across political and social circles.