Amanze Chinonye
Two West Virginia National Guard members remain in critical condition after being shot in what authorities describe as a “targeted ambush” near the White House on Wednesday afternoon, prompting sweeping federal security responses and the suspension of all Afghan-related immigration processing.
The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro Station, just blocks from the White House, where Guard members have been deployed under recent federal security directives. According to officials and multiple news outlets, a gunman approached the pair and opened fire at close range before being shot by other personnel on site.
The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the federal resettlement program created after the Taliban’s takeover. He had been living in Washington state prior to the incident.
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Lakanwal was hospitalized after being shot during his apprehension and remains in custody under armed guard. Federal investigators, including the FBI, say they are examining possible motives but have not publicly disclosed any ties to extremist networks or prior warning signals. DHS officials said the attack is being treated as a potential act of terrorism pending further evidence.
Conflicting personal accounts emerged Wednesday, as one individual identifying himself as a close relative told CBS News that Lakanwal served for a decade in the Afghan National Army some of that time alongside U.S. Special Forces in Kandahar. These claims have not been independently verified by federal agencies. The relative, audibly shaken, said the family had not spoken to Lakanwal in months and could not explain the alleged actions.
“We were the ones targeted by the Taliban in Afghanistan,” he said. “I cannot believe it… I don’t know what happened.”
The shooting drew swift condemnation from national leaders. Former President Joe Biden said he and his wife Jill were “heartbroken,” adding that “violence of any kind is unacceptable.”
President Donald Trump announced he would address the nation on the attack and ordered an immediate deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, according to Reuters.
In a dramatic policy shift, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an indefinite halt to the processing of all immigration requests involving Afghan nationals. The agency said the suspension would remain in place while security and vetting protocols undergo review, adding that the “protection and safety of our homeland” is its priority.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the injured Guard members. Local and federal investigators continue to piece together the gunman’s movements, background, and potential motive. Law enforcement has not indicated whether the attack was spontaneous or premeditated.
The incident has reignited political debate over the vetting of Afghans brought to the United States following the 2021 evacuation. Some lawmakers have called for a full audit of the resettlement program, while others warn against broad stigmatization of evacuees.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
