In a shocking incident that unfolded just blocks from the White House, two National Guard members were shot on a busy Washington D.C. street, leading to the dramatic capture of an Afghan national identified as the attacker.
Chaos on DC Streets: The Attack Unfolds
The violent episode occurred on November 27, 2025, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, opened fire on National Guard personnel. Footage obtained by the Associated Press captures the terrifying moments when the two Guards were struck by gunfire, with both injured men seen taking cover behind a bus shelter as the gunman remained active nearby.
The video evidence shows the immediate aftermath of the shooting, with the wounded military personnel seeking safety while the assailant continued to pose a threat in the vicinity. The location's proximity to the White House added significant gravity to the security situation, prompting an immediate and robust response from law enforcement agencies.
Rapid Response and Capture
Security forces responded with remarkable speed to neutralize the threat. The response team quickly apprehended Lakanwal, employing forceful measures to ensure he no longer posed any danger. The captured footage shows security personnel stripping the attacker and handcuffing him as part of standard protocol to ensure he carried no additional weapons or explosive devices.
The swift action by law enforcement prevented what could have escalated into a more catastrophic situation, given the crowded urban environment and the symbolic importance of the location. The entire sequence of events, from the initial shooting to the suspect's capture, unfolded within minutes, demonstrating the efficiency of DC's security apparatus.
Investigation and National Security Implications
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken charge of the case, treating the attack as a potential terrorism-linked incident. Authorities are thoroughly probing Lakanwal's background, motivation, and possible connections to extremist groups. Investigators are particularly interested in how the Afghan national entered the United States and what factors might have driven him to target military personnel.
Records indicate that Lakanwal was admitted into the United States during the Biden administration in 2021, a detail that has drawn significant attention from security analysts and immigration authorities. The investigation continues to examine his activities since arrival, any radicalization patterns, and whether he acted alone or as part of a larger network.
The incident has reignited debates about national security protocols, vetting procedures for refugees and immigrants, and the protection of military personnel on domestic soil. As the probe continues, security agencies have heightened vigilance around government buildings and military installations across the capital region.
