Incident Details

Two West Virginia National Guard members are in critical condition following a targeted shooting near the White House in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The attack occurred at approximately 2:15 PM EAT (2:15 PM local time) near the Farragut West metro station, just blocks from the White House. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the incident in a press conference, describing it as a "targeted" and "ambush-style" attack.

Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll stated that the suspect "came around the corner" and immediately began firing at the soldiers. The suspect was also shot during the encounter and has been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. It remains unclear whether the suspect was shot by one of the guardsmen or another law enforcement officer. Other National Guard members in the vicinity quickly subdued the shooter.

Suspect and Investigation

U.S. officials have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021. He was admitted under the 'Operation Allies Welcome' program, a Biden-era initiative to resettle vulnerable Afghans following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The FBI is leading a multi-agency investigation, treating the case as an "assault on a federal officer" and a matter of national security. Law enforcement sources have indicated that Lakanwal is not cooperating with authorities.

Political Fallout and Security Response

The shooting has prompted a significant political reaction. In a video statement, President Donald Trump labeled the attack an "act of terror" and referred to the suspect as an "animal." He heavily criticized the Biden administration's refugee program that allowed the suspect into the country and called for a full investigation into all Afghans admitted under Operation Allies Welcome. Following the incident, President Trump ordered the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington D.C. This adds to the existing contingent deployed in August under a controversial "crime emergency" declaration. In response to the shooting, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an indefinite pause on processing all immigration applications filed by Afghan nationals pending a security review.

Broader Context and Relevance for Kenya

While there are no direct links between this incident and Kenya, it holds relevance for the East Africa region due to the intricate web of U.S. foreign policy, counter-terrorism efforts, and international alliances. The attack immediately brings U.S. vetting procedures for refugees and immigrants under intense scrutiny. For nations like Kenya, which partner closely with the U.S. on security and counter-terrorism, any major shift in American security posture or immigration policy is significant.

Kenya and the United States have a robust defense cooperation agreement, signed in September 2023 and expanded in May 2024, aimed at bolstering counter-terrorism operations, particularly against groups like al-Shabaab. This partnership involves significant U.S. financial and logistical support. A security incident of this nature on U.S. soil, perpetrated by an individual admitted through a special program, could lead to a more stringent, inwardly focused American security policy. Such a shift could potentially impact the resources and attention allocated to international partnerships, including those in East Africa. The debate sparked by this shooting over the balance between humanitarian obligations and national security will be watched closely by U.S. allies worldwide, as its outcome could reshape the future of American international engagement and refugee resettlement policies.