Updated Nov. 27, 2025 — The Department of Homeland Security identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, as the suspected shooter in an ambush that wounded two National Guard members a few blocks from the White House. Law enforcement said Lakanwal was shot by another Guard member, taken into custody at the scene and is hospitalized. Authorities say he is not cooperating with investigators.
How he entered the U.S.
Multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said he was paroled into the country on Sept. 8, 2021, under Operation Allies Welcome, the program used to bring many Afghan evacuees to the U.S. after the Taliban takeover. A DHS official confirmed he was admitted on humanitarian parole, applied for asylum in 2024, and was granted asylum in 2025; his application for a green card that stems from the asylum grant is still pending.
Some Afghans who arrived in 2021 received special immigrant visas for work with U.S. forces, while others were admitted on temporary humanitarian parole. More than 8,000 Afghans were also granted deportation relief under temporary protected status, which has seen changes in policy under different administrations.
What happened at the scene
D.C. police said the suspect appeared to be a lone gunman who raised a firearm and ambushed National Guard members patrolling near a downtown mass transit station. Investigators said the handgun initially held four rounds. The first victim, a female Guard member, was struck immediately and suffered at least two gunshot wounds. The suspect then took her weapon and used it to shoot a second Guard member. A third Guard member, who was not injured, returned fire and stopped the attack.
Both wounded Guard members, who are with the West Virginia National Guard, were reported in critical condition. The Guard troops were on a high-visibility patrol as part of a monthslong deployment of forces from D.C. and several states ordered by President Trump.
Public response and next steps
President Trump released a video calling the suspect a foreign national from Afghanistan and criticized the immigration decisions that allowed his entry. Authorities continue to investigate the attack, and officials said more information will be released as it is confirmed.