Washington – Two National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday. An Afghan refugee has been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

According to FBI officials, the suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in August 2021. He applied for refugee status in 2024 and was approved in April 2025.

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared this a terrorist incident. He stated that anyone involved will pay a heavy price. He announced an immediate halt to the entry of Afghan refugees into the United States.

The shooting near the White House in the U.S. capital Washington D.C. has alerted security agencies. Two National Guard members were injured in this incident and were immediately hospitalized. The incident once again demonstrated that threats can emerge unexpectedly even in the United States’ most sensitive security zones.

Attacker Shot Female Guard in the Head

The attack occurred near the Farragut West Metro station, where Lakanwal waited for some time and then suddenly opened fire around 2:15 PM local U.S. time.

He first shot a female guard in the chest and then in the head. After that, he fired at a second guard.

At the same time, a third guard nearby fired four shots at Lakanwal, after which the attacker was subdued. The attacker was taken away in an ambulance nearly naked.

Accused Previously Served 10 Years in Afghan Army

A relative of Lakanwal stated that he grew up in Afghanistan’s Khost province. He came to the U.S. four years ago and lived in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and five children.

The relative reported that before coming to America, Lakanwal had served for 10 years in the Afghan army and during that time had participated in operations alongside U.S. Special Forces.

According to the relative, Lakanwal was stationed for some time at a base in Kandahar during his military service. During this period, he assisted American soldiers. The relative said they had not spoken with Lakanwal for several months. The last time they spoke, Lakanwal was working for Amazon.

Whatever the reason behind the shooting, it is clear that this incident outside one of the world’s most secure areas—the White House—highlights challenges to the security framework.
This case has left a major question mark on U.S. domestic security, gun violence, and public safety policies.

White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It was designed by James Hoban and its construction was completed in 1800; President John Adams was the first president to reside there. The building has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, including a comprehensive reconstruction of its interior after it was burned by British forces in 1814 during the War of 1812.

National Guard

The National Guard is a reserve military force in the United States with a dual state and federal mission. It traces its history back to 1636 with the founding of colonial militias, making it the oldest military organization in the U.S. Today, its members serve both their local communities during emergencies and can be called to active duty to support the nation’s armed forces.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States, founded in 1908 as the Bureau of Investigation. It is responsible for enforcing federal law and conducting counter-intelligence operations within the country, with its mission evolving significantly over the decades to address threats like organized crime, terrorism, and cybercrime.

Farragut West Metro station

Farragut West is a Washington, D.C. Metro station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, located in the city’s downtown business district. It opened in 1977 as part of the original Metro system and is named for David Farragut, a Civil War admiral. The station is a key commuter hub, serving many federal offices and landmarks.

Afghan army

The Afghan National Army is the modern military force of Afghanistan, established in its current form after the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001. Its history, however, is rooted in earlier state armies, and it has been a central institution in the nation’s long struggle for stability and sovereignty.

U.S. Special Forces

The U.S. Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets, are a specialized component of the U.S. Army formally established in 1952. Their history is rooted in unconventional warfare, with a primary mission to train and work alongside foreign allied forces. They are renowned for their expertise in counter-insurgency, foreign internal defense, and special reconnaissance.

Kandahar

Kandahar is a major city in southern Afghanistan with a history dating back over 3,000 years, founded by Alexander the Great. It served as the capital of the Afghan Empire in the 18th century under Ahmad Shah Durrani and remains a key cultural and political center. The city has witnessed significant conflict in recent decades, including during the Soviet-Afghan War and the recent war against the Taliban.

Amazon

The Amazon refers to the vast Amazon rainforest and river basin in South America, which is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. This region, home to immense biodiversity and indigenous cultures, was first explored by Europeans in the 16th century with the Spanish expedition of Francisco de Orellana. Today, it faces significant threats from deforestation and climate change.