Summary
Two National Guard members were shot and critically injured near the White House in Washington, DC. The suspect, identified as an Afghan national, was taken into custody and wounded by law enforcement. President Donald Trump has announced plans to re-evaluate the vetting process for Afghan immigrants.
Key Facts
- Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot while on duty in Washington, DC.
- The incident happened close to the White House, and the service members are in critical condition.
- The suspect is identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, who was also injured in the encounter.
- Lakanwal entered the United States under the Operation Allies Welcome program initiated by President Joe Biden in 2021.
- This program allowed many Afghan nationals to enter the US following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.
- President Trump stated the need to re-assess Afghan immigrants' vetting processes.
- Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted it in 2025 during Trump's administration.
- The US government is reviewing the incident, and the suspect’s entry details are under examination.
