National Guard Shooting Video in Washington DC

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A violent and shocking attack unfolded just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two West Virginia National Guard members hospitalized in critical condition. The shooting, which Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described as a “targeted attack,” occurred on the eve of Thanksgiving a moment when many Americans were preparing for holiday gatherings, not bracing for another violent episode in the heart of the nation’s capital. The incident has triggered nationwide concern, ignited political debate, and raised urgent questions about public safety, military deployments in civilian spaces, and national security.

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A Sudden Burst of Violence Near the White House and Video

The attack happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House, near a metro station that typically sees heavy foot traffic. According to authorities, the two National Guard members were performing routine duties when the assailant approached the area. Investigators who reviewed security footage said the suspect “came around the corner” and opened fire almost immediately, leaving the troops with no time to react.

Video and Images of the Crime Scene in Washington, DC

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Other National Guard members stationed nearby rushed to assist as gunshots echoed through the busy neighborhood. Eyewitness video shared on social media showed first responders performing CPR on one of the injured guardsmen while another lay surrounded by shattered glass. Police sirens, helicopter blades, and crowds of bystanders added to the chaos of the scene.

The conditions of the victims were initially unclear. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey even mistakenly announced that the troops had died before correcting the statement, acknowledging that his office received conflicting reports. Later, federal officials confirmed that both Guardsmen remained alive but were in critical condition.

The Suspect: A Refugee From Afghanistan

The shooter, who was also injured during the confrontation, has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration initiative that evacuated tens of thousands of Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Lakanwal had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children, according to his former landlord, Kristina Widman. Authorities said they were still working to verify his full background, including his activities before and after arriving in the United States. Law enforcement sources noted that the suspect’s injuries were not life-threatening, allowing investigators an opportunity to question him once medically cleared.

The motive remains unknown. Police emphasized that despite extensive speculation online, there is currently no evidence of a broader plot, coordinated attack, or involvement of additional suspects. “At this point we have no other suspects,” said D.C. police executive assistant chief Jeffery Carroll. “It appears to be a lone gunman who ambushed these members of the National Guard.”

Operation Allies Welcome Under Renewed Scrutiny

Operation Allies Welcome, launched in the chaotic aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal, brought approximately 76,000 Afghans to the United States many of them interpreters, government workers, or individuals targeted by the Taliban. While the program was praised by humanitarian advocates as a necessary lifeline, it has faced intense political scrutiny, particularly from former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers.

The vetting process has been at the center of debate. Critics argue that the rapid evacuation and admission of tens of thousands of refugees left gaps that could pose national security risks. Supporters counter that the majority of evacuees were long-time allies who risked their lives for U.S. forces.

The shooting has reignited these debates at the highest levels of government. Within hours of the attack, former President Trump released a video statement calling for a “complete reinvestigation” of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration. “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” he said, calling the attack “a crime against our entire nation.”

His remarks immediately triggered political reactions from both sides, further heating an already polarized national conversation about immigration, security, and the role of the federal government.

A Surge in Federal Response

In the hours following the shooting, the Trump administration moved swiftly to increase security in the capital. Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, a number confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said the deployment was made at the president’s request.

This surge adds to the nearly 2,200 troops already stationed as part of a joint task force operating in the city. The presence of National Guard forces in Washington has been a contentious issue for months, with critics challenging the administration’s use of the military to address what officials describe as an “out-of-control crime problem.”

A federal judge recently ruled that the ongoing deployment must end, arguing that the circumstances no longer justify such a heavy military presence. However, the judge delayed the enforcement of her ruling for 21 days, allowing the administration time to respond or appeal. The shooting is likely to complicate that legal process and may further strengthen the administration’s arguments for maintaining a robust security presence.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Public Fear and Confusion

People in the area at the time of the shooting described moments of panic and confusion. Stacy Walters, who was sitting in her car when she heard two loud gunshots, recalled seeing people running in all directions as law enforcement stormed the area. “It’s such a beautiful day,” she said, “Who would do this? And we’re getting ready for the holidays?”

Another witness, Emma McDonald, had just exited the metro station when the shots rang out. She and a friend quickly took cover inside a nearby café, along with other frightened commuters. Minutes later, McDonald saw first responders rushing a stretcher carrying a National Guard member whose head was covered in blood. The scene left her trembling.

The area was immediately sealed with police tape. Agents from the Secret Service, ATF, and other federal agencies swarmed the scene. A helicopter even landed on the National Mall to assist in medical evacuation efforts.

National Leaders Respond With Urgency and Concern

The shooting prompted quick responses from top government and military officials. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser firmly labeled it a targeted attack. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that both victims remained in critical condition.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, used the moment to reflect on the sacrifices of American service members. “It’s a somber reminder that soldiers whether active duty, reserve, or National Guard are the sword and shield of the United States of America,” he said during a Thanksgiving address.

Meanwhile, Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, canceled plans to spend Thanksgiving with troops in Guantanamo Bay and traveled to Washington to be with Guard members affected by the incident. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll later posted that he visited the wounded troops in the hospital, saying his “heart breaks for them.”

A Nation on Edge

The shooting near the White House is one of the rare instances in which National Guard members have been attacked on domestic soil while on duty. The incident arrives at a time of political instability, legal battles over federal authority, and national debates on immigration and security.

The attack raises urgent questions:

How did a lone gunman manage to approach armed troops in a heavily monitored area?

What motivated the shooting?

Will this event reshape national policy on refugee admissions or military deployments?

As the investigation continues, the nation remains anxious, awaiting answers about the suspect’s motives and praying for the recovery of the wounded Guardsmen. The shooting stands as a stark reminder that even in the nation’s most secure locations, violence can erupt without warning and its consequences can reverberate far beyond the crime scene.

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