Archive · 29 Nov 2025
Afghan National Shoots Two National Guard Members Near White House
A man named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who came from Afghanistan to the US a few years ago, drove all the way from Washington state to Washington D.C. to shoot two soldiers who were guarding the White House.
The soldiers, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, were hurt badly and are still in the hospital.
The man used a powerful gun and was caught after a fight with the police.
The FBI is looking into why he did this and has searched his house and other places.
Because of this, the US has stopped processing requests from other Afghans who want to come to the US.
Some people are blaming the government for not checking carefully who comes into the country, but others say the man was approved to stay during a different president's time.
The soldiers were part of a group sent by the previous president to help keep the city safe.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, ambushed and shot two National Guard members near the White House.
The victims, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe (24), were sworn in less than 24 hours before the attack and remain in critical condition.
Lakanwal drove cross-country from Washington state to Washington D.C. with the intent to target the nation's capital, using a .357 Magnum revolver.
The FBI is treating the incident as a terrorism investigation, with multiple properties searched and electronic devices seized.
The US has suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals indefinitely, and Trump has ordered 500 more troops to be deployed in the capital.
- Who
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, shot two National Guard members near the White House.
- What
- Lakanwal ambushed and shot the two National Guard members with a .357 Magnum revolver.
- When
- The shooting occurred on a day before Thanksgiving, with the suspect driving cross-country from Washington state.
- Where
- The incident took place near the White House in Washington, D.C.
- Why
- The motive is under investigation, but officials are treating it as a terrorism probe. The suspect had no known criminal history but had worked with US partner forces in Afghanistan.
- Suspect
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29-year-old Afghan national
- Victims
- Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24
- Weapon Used
- .357 Smith and Wesson revolver
- Charges
- Assault with intent to kill while armed, violation of DC code, possession of a firearm
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing terrorism investigation
- Immigration Impact
- USCIS halts processing of all Afghan immigration requests indefinitely
- Suspect's Background
- Entered US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, worked with US partner forces in Afghanistan
- Response
- FBI searches multiple properties, Trump orders 500 more troops to DC
Sources
White House shooting: Suspect drove cross-country before attack; FBI director Kash Patel reveals new details
FBI searches properties, seizes electronics in probe into shooting of National Guardsmen
US suspends immigration requests for Afghans, ex-French President convicted, & Bolsonaro
UN urges Washington to keep doors open to asylum seekers after D.C. attack
Afghans in the US urge Trump not to punish community after DC shooting
