WASHINGTON D.C. – Two United States National Guard members are in critical condition following a targeted shooting just blocks from the White House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The incident, which occurred in the busy Farragut Square area, has prompted a major security response and an immediate review of U.S. immigration protocols for Afghan nationals.

The attack took place at approximately 2:15 PM Eastern Standard Time (10:15 PM EAT) near the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW. According to Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll, the gunman appeared to ambush the soldiers, who were part of a "high-visibility patrol." An exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the two soldiers and the suspect being shot. The White House was placed on lockdown following the incident.

Multiple law enforcement sources 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 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program established to relocate Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a local hospital for his injuries. Officials have stated that he is believed to have acted alone, and the FBI is investigating the attack as a potential act of terrorism.

The two wounded soldiers, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were airlifted to hospital and are receiving treatment for critical injuries. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported the soldiers had died but later retracted the statement, citing "conflicting reports." FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Wednesday evening that both soldiers were in critical condition.

Policy and Political Fallout

The shooting has triggered immediate political and policy responses from the Trump administration. In a video statement released Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump referred to the suspect as an "animal" and stated he would "pay a very steep price." He announced that he had ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington D.C.

Crucially, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an indefinite pause on the processing of all immigration applications filed by Afghan nationals pending a thorough review of security and vetting protocols. "The protections and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," the USCIS statement read. President Trump also called for a re-examination of every Afghan national who entered the U.S. under the Biden-era program.

The National Guard has been deployed in Washington D.C. since August 2025, when the administration declared a "crime emergency" in the city. The presence of the troops has been a point of political contention, and this attack is likely to intensify the debate over the use of military personnel in domestic law enforcement roles.

International Implications and Kenyan Context

While there are no direct links to Kenya or East Africa in this incident, the attack carries significant global implications. The shooting highlights the complex security challenges associated with refugee and evacuee resettlement programs, a matter of relevance to Kenya, which hosts a large refugee population. The immediate U.S. policy shift on Afghan immigration could signal a broader tightening of American immigration and asylum policies, potentially affecting nationals from other regions, including East Africa.

Furthermore, the incident underscores the persistent threat of lone-actor attacks in major Western capitals. For nations like Kenya, which are key partners in the global fight against terrorism, such events are a stark reminder of the evolving nature of security threats. The investigation's focus on whether the attack was an act of terrorism will be closely watched by security agencies worldwide, including those in Nairobi, for insights into radicalization and attack methodologies.

The U.S. response, particularly the review of vetting procedures for Afghan evacuees, may also inform international best practices for managing and integrating populations from conflict zones. As a frontline state in regional security, Kenya often engages with international partners on counter-terrorism and security vetting, making the outcomes of the U.S. investigation and subsequent policy changes highly relevant.