Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded in an apparent targeted shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C

 On November 26, 2025, two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded in an apparent targeted shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the executive mansion. The victims, both in uniform and performing routine duties, were ambushed around 3:30 p.m. ET. Authorities described the attack as a "heinous assault," with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser calling it a targeted incident. The FBI is investigating it as a potential act of international terrorism, exploring possible ties to foreign inspirations, though no group has claimed responsibility.The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He was taken into custody shortly after the shooting following a brief foot chase. Witnesses reported he shouted "Allahu Akbar" multiple times during the attack, raising concerns about a possible ideological motive. Lakanwal had no prior criminal record in the U.S. but reportedly served for about 10 years in the Afghan National Army, including alongside U.S. and CIA forces in Kandahar province. A relative confirmed this service to NBC News, noting he fled.Lakanwal entered the U.S. on September 8, 2021, under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration humanitarian parole program launched after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This initiative allowed vulnerable Afghans—such as interpreters, contractors, and their families—who aided U.S. efforts to enter the country on two-year parole grants. Participants underwent initial security vetting at U.S. military bases before resettlement. Around 77,000 Afghans were admitted through the program, with many later applying for asylum or other statuses. Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024, which was granted by the Trump administration in April 2025. He had been living in Washington state before the incident.