Afghan National Arrested for Shooting National Guard Near White House

URGENT UPDATE: An Afghan national has been arrested following a shocking shooting that injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard just blocks from the White House. The incident occurred on November 22, 2023, as America prepares for Thanksgiving, heightening concerns over security in the nation’s capital.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that both guard members are hospitalized in critical condition after the brazen attack. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported their deaths but later retracted that statement, citing “conflicting reports” about their status.

In a swift response to this violent act, President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as a “heinous assault” and called for a thorough investigation into Afghan refugees’ backgrounds, emphasizing the need for national security. Trump stated, “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” highlighting the political tensions surrounding the Biden administration’s refugee policies.

The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program aimed at resettling Afghans who assisted U.S. forces. This operation brought approximately 76,000 people to the U.S., but it has faced scrutiny over vetting processes. Lakanwal had previously worked with the CIA in Kandahar, Afghanistan, as confirmed by former CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

At the scene of the shooting, which took place near a metro station just two blocks northwest of the White House, law enforcement officials reported that the shooter ambushed the guard members, opening fire without warning. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with sounds of gunfire echoing and first responders immediately rushing to aid the injured troops. Videos from bystanders showed paramedics performing CPR on one of the guard members, who appeared critically injured.

Local authorities have stated that the shooting is being treated as a targeted attack. Jeffery Carroll, D.C. police chief, described the incident as “a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard.” Following the shooting, other troops in the area quickly subdued Lakanwal, who was also shot but reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

In a broader context, this rare shooting of National Guard members on American soil comes amid ongoing debates about the military’s role in combating crime and ensuring public safety in urban areas. The Trump administration responded to growing concerns by deploying an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., amidst rising tensions regarding crime and security.

As investigations continue, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that charges against Lakanwal would depend on the conditions of the injured guard members, indicating a potential push for severe consequences, including seeking the death penalty.

In response to the shooting, Vice President JD Vance remarked on the sacrifices made by soldiers, emphasizing their role as “the sword and the shield of the United States.” Meanwhile, General Steven Nordhaus of the National Guard Bureau canceled planned holiday activities to be present with the troops in D.C.

This developing story raises critical questions about security protocols for military personnel stationed in urban environments and the implications for refugees resettled under recent U.S. policies. As the nation watches closely, updates on the condition of the injured guard members and the legal proceedings against Lakanwal are expected to unfold rapidly.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops, and share this urgent news with your network.