National Guard shooting near White House: Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal in custody as FBI probes possible international terrorism
Two National Guard members were shot and critically injured near the White House in Northwest Washington, D.C.; the suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is in custody as the FBI probes possible international terrorism allegations.
Key takeaways
- Victims: Two U.S. National Guard members were shot and are being treated for critical injuries. (Source: Time; Times of Israel)
- Suspect: Identified by law enforcement as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, age 29. (Source: video report; Time)
- Investigation: The FBI is treating the shooting as possible international terrorism while verifying identity, fingerprints, motive and any foreign ties. (Source: video report; Time)
Main story
What officials have said
Federal and local law enforcement described the attack as a serious, evolving case. FBI teams and D.C. police responded swiftly; officials said they are investigating the shooting as an act that could meet the threshold of international terrorism while they search for any organizational ties beyond a lone suspect.
Authorities reported they identified the suspect by running fingerprints and continued verification efforts. Officials indicated they would provide further updates and possible charges the following morning. (Sources: Time; video report)
Incident details
Police say two National Guard members were struck near the perimeter of the White House complex on Wednesday afternoon. They were rushed to area hospitals in critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was taken into custody at the scene and remains held by federal authorities as the FBI leads the probe.
Authorities were expected to announce more details and potential federal charges the next morning. (Sources: Time; Times of Israel; video report)
Suspect background reported so far
Public reports identify the suspect as an Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, age 29. Those reports say he arrived in the U.S. in 2021 and was granted asylum in April 2025. Officials reportedly matched fingerprints to identify him and were working to confirm additional background details. (Sources: video report; Time)
Unverified claims: Available reporting reviewed for this story does not confirm that Lakanwal worked with U.S. government entities in Afghanistan, including the CIA, or that he served in a partner force in Kandahar. Those assertions remain unverified and require documentary or official confirmation.
On public reaction and rhetoric
The shooting drew immediate national attention. Former President Donald Trump described the attack as a “heinous assault” and called it an “act of evil and act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity.” His remarks underscore the political stakes around security and immigration raised by the case.
Officials urged restraint, noting they would await law enforcement findings before drawing conclusions about motive or organizational links. (Statement attributed to former President Donald Trump; officials’ comments from law enforcement.)
What is not confirmed: CIA ties and partner-force claims
Some early accounts claimed the suspect had worked with U.S. government entities in Afghanistan or served with a partner force in Kandahar. A review of available reporting and sources for this story found no independent verification of those claims. Major outlets and law enforcement have not released records or statements confirming employment or formal ties between Lakanwal and U.S. agencies.
Reporters will need to obtain personnel records, contractor logs, or official agency statements to confirm any such links; until then, those assertions should be treated as unverified.
Legal and security ramifications
If investigators find evidence of links to foreign terrorist organizations or external coordination, federal prosecutors could pursue terrorism-related charges. The FBI’s classification of the shooting as possible international terrorism signals a probe that will cross jurisdictional lines and engage federal terrorism statutes.
Investigators will examine motive, any online or overseas contacts, travel history, and potential material support networks. Authorities said they will release further details as the investigation continues and as they prepare possible charges. (Sources: Time; video report)
Implications for California
Economic impact: A federal terror probe centered in Washington, D.C., can affect California businesses through heightened security measures, increased contracting costs, and potential travel or compliance delays.
Political consequences: The case is likely to intensify debate over asylum and immigration policy in California, with policymakers citing the suspect’s reported asylum status in arguments for stricter vetting or defenses of asylum processes pending full facts.
Social effects: California’s large Afghan and immigrant communities may face stigma or heightened tensions if unverified claims circulate. Local leaders and community groups may need to step up outreach to prevent harassment and reassure residents that investigations focus on individuals, not communities.
Practical advice: Californians should expect increased security at federal facilities, potential extra screening for travelers, and coordinated activity between local and federal law enforcement. Community organizations may offer information sessions and safety briefings.
What to watch for next
- Formal charges or updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI about motive and any organizational ties. (Officials were expected to give updates the following morning; source: video report.)
- Confirmation or refutation of claims about the suspect’s prior work with U.S. government entities in Afghanistan; that will require agency records or official statements. (Not verified in current reporting; see Time.)
- Health updates on the two National Guard members and whether witnesses or additional suspects emerge. (Source: Times of Israel.)
Sources and reporting notes
This article draws on reporting from Time, Times of Israel, and a video report.
Information about alleged ties between the suspect and U.S. government entities in Afghanistan, including the CIA or service with a partner force in Kandahar, was not found in the reviewed reporting and remains unverified. Reporters will continue seeking official confirmation and records from relevant agencies.
