National Guard Shooting in DC: Everything We Know So Far

Details are still emerging after the tragic shooting of two National Guard members. Here's what has been reported so far.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in a bold attack the day before Thanksgiving. The guard members, who had been deployed to Washington, DC, were targeted on Wednesday afternoon, November 26, just a short distance away from the White House.

Shooting Erupts Just Blocks from the White House

The shooting occurred just before 2:30 p.m. about two blocks northwest of the White House, near a metro station and right next to Farragut Square Park. As per a video reviewed by authorities, the suspect "came around the corner" and immediately opened fire using a handgun on the National Guard members.

Jeffery Carroll, executive assistant to the DC police chief, said other National Guard members in the area heard the gunfire, ran to the scene, and restrained the suspect after he was shot.

"It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard," Carroll shared. He added that it was not immediately clear who fired at the suspect.

However, a law enforcement officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that at least one National Guard member fired back during the attack.

The State of the Attacked National Guard Members

Videos shared on social media shortly afterward showed first responders performing CPR on one of the injured troops and treating the other on a nearby sidewalk.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the National Guards were hospitalized in critical condition after what Bowser called a planned attack.

One of the wounded National Guard members was airlifted to a hospital by medevac helicopter, while the other member and the suspect were transported by ambulance.

Suspect's Background and Investigation Details

According to another law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity, the suspect who was shot at the scene is 29 years old. He was taken into custody and is not believed to have life-threatening injuries.

Officials identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the US through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program.

The program was created to resettle Afghans, many of whom worked with US troops and diplomats. It resettled about 76,000 Afghans who mostly worked as interpreters and translators.

According to his former landlord, Kristina Widman, Lakanwal has been living in Bellingham, Washington — about 79 miles north of Seattle — with his wife and five children.

A family member of Lakanwal said that he arrived in the US in September 2021 after serving for a decade in the Afghan Army, where he worked alongside US Special Forces. Part of his service included a posting at a base in Kandahar.

Lakanwal grew up in Khost Province. He came to the US following the Taliban's takeover and eventually settled in Washington state. The relative, who also served supporting US troops and was injured while in uniform, expressed shock over the attack.

"We were the ones that were targeted by the Taliban in Afghanistan. I cannot believe it that he might do this," he noted. The family member said they had not been in contact for several months, but when they last spoke, Lakanwal was employed by Amazon, including Amazon Flex.

"I don't know what happened. I need your help to know why this happened," the relative added, overwhelmed with tears. Carroll said that investigators have not determined a motive. The incident is currently being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.

Witnesses Describe Chaos During Shooting

Witnesses have also given their account of the tragedy, describing chaos in the moments following the shooting. Stacy Walters said she was in a car when she heard gunfire and saw people running. "It's such a beautiful day. Who would do this? And we're getting ready for the holidays?" she wondered.

Ryaan Aqid said he crossed paths with two National Guard members shortly before the shooting. However, he wasn't certain if they were the same guards who were targeted.

He had checked in at his hotel about an hour earlier and stepped out to grab a sandwich, spotting the guards on his way. Less than a minute after getting his sandwich, he heard a series of gunshots. "I heard two shots, then I heard four shots consecutively," he shared.

Aqid, along with others nearby, scrambled to find cover. From his vantage point, he could not see the shooter, but in approximately two minutes, law enforcement arrived on the scene.

Aqid later saw a man restrained by police and realized the attack had taken place right in front of his hotel. Meanwhile, Emma McDonald, who had just exited a nearby metro station, took shelter in a cafe with a friend.

She saw first responders transporting an injured National Guard member on a stretcher. Police quickly cordoned off the area, with flashing lights from emergency vehicles and helicopters overhead. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall during the response.

Secret Service and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were on the scene. They maintained a perimeter with National Guard members.

National and Local Leaders Respond to Guard Members Being Shot

Political and military leaders quickly reacted to the shooting. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported on X that both National Guard members had died. He described their service as brave and honored their sacrifice.

Less than 25 minutes later, he issued an update saying reports on their condition were conflicting. Morrisey added that more information would be provided as it became available. He sent thoughts and prayers to the service members and their families.

President Donald Trump, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, condemned the suspect. On his Truth Social platform, he wrote that the individual would "pay a very steep price."

Trump also expressed support for the troops and law enforcement, "God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!"

In another address Wednesday night, November 26, Trump described the shooting as "a crime against our entire nation" and a "crime against humanity." He said the attack underscores "the single greatest national security threat" facing the country.

Trump also voiced support for the National Guard members who were shot and their families, "The love of our entire country is pouring out for them, and we are lifting them up in our prayers. As we are filled with anguish and grief for those who were shot, we're also filled with righteous anger and ferocious resolve."

Vice President JD Vance, speaking from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, said, "I think it's a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they're active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America."

Former President Barack Obama also gave a statement on X. He wrote, "Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances."

Also on X, Former President Joe Biden expressed sorrow over the incident, "Jill and I are heartbroken that two members of the National Guard were shot outside the White House. Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and we must all stand united against it. We are praying for the service members and their families."

Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto, whose district includes Farragut Square Park, called the shooting near the White House devastating and unacceptable. She expressed deep concern over the injuries to the two National Guard members.

As the Chair of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, she emphasized that public servants should not be harmed while performing their duties. "We must be more proactive as a country to get firearms off our streets. I am actively working to get to the bottom of what happened," Pinto shared.

Meanwhile, General Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, canceled his Thanksgiving plans at Guantanamo Bay. He traveled to Washington, DC, to support the Guard members on the scene. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll visited the injured troops in the hospital and expressed his concern for their well-being.

Response and Security Measures After the Shooting

Currently, authorities have taken immediate steps in response to the shooting. The FBI has joined the investigation to assist local law enforcement, according to Patel.

The Trump administration has ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to the capital, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Nearly 2,200 troops are currently assigned to the joint task force operating in Washington.

On social media, many people are sending well-wishes and hoping for a speedy recovery for the injured National Guard members.