Two National Guard Soldiers Shot Near White House, Suspect in Custody

Two members of the United States National Guard were shot on 26 November 2025 just blocks away from the White House in Washington D.C., law enforcement officials said. The attack happened near 17th and I Streets Northwest, close to the busy Farragut Square area. The soldiers were critically wounded and transported to a local hospital. The suspect was apprehended at the scene following an exchange of gunfire.

Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly entered the United States under a resettlement programme in 2021 and was granted asylum earlier in 2025. Law enforcement described the incident as a targeted ambush and said investigations are ongoing.

Security agencies quickly cordoned off the area around the White House. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Secret Service and local police responded, and surveillance footage is being reviewed to determine motive and whether the gunman acted alone.

The shooting triggered immediate concern over security in the U.S. capital, especially given the ongoing deployment of thousands of National Guard troops. Many are calling for a full review of security protocols and intelligence measures as investigations proceed. What do you think — should there be stricter vetting for asylum-seekers? Should patrol protocols be revised? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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