Shooting of 2 National Guard members in D.C. to be investigated as possible act of terrorism, sources say
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Two guard members from West Virginia are in critical condition, and the suspect has also been injured, authorities said.
What we know:
- Two National Guard members were shot this afternoon in what appeared to be a "targeted" attack near the White House and are in critical condition, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said. The gunman was also shot and is in custody, authorities said.
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been identified as the suspect, four senior law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation said. A relative told NBC News he served alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
- President Donald Trump said in an address tonight that "every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden" must be re-examined.
- The FBI will initially investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, two senior U.S. law enforcement officials said.
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said that the guard members were from his state and had died, but he later walked that back, saying his office had received “conflicting reports” about their status.
- Around 2,100 National Guard troops were in D.C. as of this morning, according to the joint task force operating in the city.
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‘It’s so senseless and really sad,’ woman who heard shots says
A building manager who heard the gunfire in today’s shooting of two National Guard members in Washington said she heard four shots at first and then “many, many more.”
“I started seeing Secret Service members rushing by, running by, cycling by, and more and more sirens,” said Amelia Smith, who manages a building on 17th Street NW.
Smith, originally from Houston, is used to the sound of fireworks and gunshots but wasn't sure at first what she was hearing.
“I wasn’t sure if it was gunshots, but then I thought, OK, no one’s going to be putting off fireworks the day before Thanksgiving. And when I heard the sirens, I was like, this is, this is something serious,” she said.
After she heard the shots, Smith said, she immediately went downstairs from the third floor to make sure the receptionist was all right.
The National Guard is in Washington after the Trump administration deployed it to help with what it says are security and crime concerns in the city.
Smith lives in Virginia and uses the Metro to get to work, taking it to the station at Farragut Square, near where the shootings took place.
While she said it can be intimidating to see people in fatigues, she said that it is nice to have people make the streets feel safe and that she would nod at the people in military clothing.
She said that after the shooting she and others put up a sign on the front of the building that says America loves the National Guard.
“When I heard who got shot — just, it’s so senseless and really sad,” she said.
Suspect was granted asylum this year
The suspect in today’s attack on two National Guard members was granted asylum this year, sources said.
A source familiar with the case and a separate law enforcement source told NBC News that the suspect was granted asylum this year.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said earlier that the suspect came to the U.S. from Afghanistan in September 2021 as part of “Operation Allies Welcome,” a program to help those who assisted the U.S. in Afghanistan.
Officials have not described a suspected motive, if one is known.
Afghan immigrants and refugees have been all but barred from U.S. under Trump
Afghan immigrants and refugees, including those who aided the American military during 20 years of war, have been all but barred from entering the United States since Trump returned to office in January.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order suspending all refugee resettlement in the United States until admissions align “with the interests of the United States.” Thousands of Afghan refugees, including many who had already been approved for U.S. resettlement, are now stranded in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries, and in some cases they have been forcibly repatriated.
The Trump administration has also terminated protections that allowed Afghans to live and work in the United States temporarily because of dangerous conditions at home. The White House says the protections are no longer needed because it is now safe to return to Afghanistan, which is experiencing multiple humanitarian crises and which Trump described tonight as a “hellhole.”
Advocates say that Afghans who worked with the United States are at risk of persecution, torture or death if they return to Afghanistan, where the Taliban regained power after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal, and that they undergo extensive vetting before they arrive in the United States.
Trump has said he is committed to helping Afghans who worked with the U.S. military, saying in August that “we know the good ones and we know the ones that maybe aren’t so good.”
The restrictions on Afghans are part of a larger crackdown on immigration, including refugee resettlement. For the 2026 fiscal year, the Trump administration has capped refugee admissions at a record-low 7,500, mostly allocated to Afrikaners from South Africa based on discredited claims that white South African farmers are being killed in large numbers.
According to a memo reviewed by NBC News, the Trump administration is also ordering the review of all refugees admitted to the United States during the Biden administration, citing security concerns. The decision, which critics have described as unnecessary and cruel, could affect more than 200,000 people already in the country, including green card holders.
USCIS halts processing of immigration requests related to Afghan nationals
Tonight the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said processing of immigration requests for Afghan nationals “is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols.”
Trump calls shooting of National Guard members an ‘act of terror’
Trump tonight said that the two National Guard members critically injured in Washington today “were shot at point-blank range in a monstrous, ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House."
“This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation,” Trump said in an address.
Officials have not described a suspected motive in the shooting today of two National Guard members from West Virginia, who were critically injured as they and others were deployed to Washington.
The suspect was also shot and was hospitalized.
Trump called for prayers for the wounded guard members.
"The love of our entire country is pouring out for them, and we are lifting them up in our prayers," Trump said.
Shooting shouldn't be used to 'attack Afghan families,' advocacy group says
An Afghan advocacy group condemned the attack on the National Guard members and said it should not be used to “isolate or harm” Afghans who have resettled in the United States.
“We reject and condemn anyone who uses, or seeks to use, violence, and we stand with every American who is horrified and saddened by this crime,” Shawn VanDiver, president of the San Diego-based group AfghanEvac, said in a statement, adding that the perpetrator should face “full accountability and prosecution under the law.”
VanDiver noted that Afghan immigrants and wartime allies who resettle in the United States undergo extensive security vetting and said that “this individual’s isolated and violent act should not be used as an excuse to define or diminish an entire community.”
“Those who would twist this moment to attack Afghan families aren’t seeking safety or justice — they’re exploiting division and endangering all of us,” he said.
Trump calls to ‘re-examine’ people who came to U.S. from Afghanistan during Biden administration
Trump tonight called for officials to “re-examine” people who came to the United States from Afghanistan during the Biden administration.
Trump made the remarks in an address after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. Authorities said the suspect said he came to the United States from Afghanistan in 2021, after the Taliban took over.
“This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation,” Trump said.
Trump then accused the Biden administration of allowing people from other nations into the United States, and he attacked those from Somalia who are living in Minnesota.
The suspect is an Afghan national who served alongside U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan, a relative told NBC News.
Trump said: “We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.
“And we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country,” Trump said.
A motive in today’s shooting is not clear. The suspect was shot and was hospitalized.
Suspect is Afghan man who served alongside U.S. forces, relative says
A close relative said the suspect served alongside U.S. Special Forces troops in Afghanistan before he came to the United States.
The relative said Rahmanullah Lakanwal arrived in the United States in September 2021 after having served in the Afghan army for 10 years, alongside U.S. Special Forces. He was stationed at a base in Kandahar for part of that time, the relative said.
He came to the United States after the Taliban took over and eventually settled in Washington state, the relative said.
The close relative served with Lakanwal, supporting U.S. troops, and was injured during his time in uniform.
“We were the ones that were targeted by the Taliban in Afghanistan,” the relative said. “I cannot believe it that he might do this.”
Lakanwal grew up in Khost province, the relative said.
The relative said they have not spoken with Lakanwal in several months. The relative said he has a wife and five boys.
“I don’t know what happened,” the relative said with a shaky voice.
“I need your help to know why this happened,” he said, breaking down in tears.
Suspect came to U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021, Trump says
The suspect in today’s shooting “entered from Afghanistan” in 2021, Trump said in an address tonight.
“Based on the best available information, the Department of Homeland Security is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan,” Trump said.
Trump did not say the suspect is an Afghan national explicitly.
Two senior U.S. law enforcement officials have told NBC News the suspect has been initially identified as an Afghan national.
Trump then called Afghanistan “a hellhole on Earth” and said that the suspect flew to the United States in September 2021.
Former presidents Obama, Biden express prayers after shooting
Former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden separately this evening expressed their thoughts for the National Guard members shot today and their families.
“Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances,” Obama said in a statement.
Biden, too, said that violence was unacceptable and that the victims and their families were in their thoughts.
“Jill and I are heartbroken that two members of the National Guard were shot outside the White House. Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and we must all stand united against it. We are praying for the service members and their families,” Biden wrote in a statement.
West Virginia governor has spoken with Trump
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said tonight that he has spoken with President Donald Trump following today's shooting of two National Guard members from his state.
"I know the president, who I just spoke to, stands behind these courageous service members and our state to get through this really difficult time," Morrisey said in a video on X around 7:30 p.m.
Morrisey called the shooting in Washington, where members of his state's National Guard have been deployed, an “act of unspeakable violence.”
“Two West Virginia National Guardsmen were brazenly shot in Washington, D.C. This was an act of unspeakable violence,” he said.
“Our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers go out to the brave service members, their families and the units who are enduring this terrible tragedy,” he said.
What we know about the shooting
Two National Guard members were shot in broad daylight in Washington, D.C., this afternoon, just one day before Thanksgiving, in what officials described as a “targeted” attack.
The guard members are in critical condition, authorities said. They were shot in the head, according to a U.S. official and a senior official directly briefed on the investigation.
Law enforcement officials at the crime scene today. Drew Angerer / AFP - Getty Images
The suspect was also shot and taken to a hospital. He has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, four senior law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation said.
National Guard members have been based in Washington since August following President Donald Trump’s highly contested directive to curb crime in the nation’s capital.
29-year-old man identified as shooting suspect, sources say
A 29-year-old man whose last known location was in Bellingham, Washington, has been identified as the suspect in today’s shootings, four senior law enforcement sources told NBC News.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been identified as the suspect, said the four senior law enforcement sources, who have been briefed on the investigation.
Police have said the National Guard members were on patrol when a person came around the corner, raised a firearm and shot at them.
The two National Guard members are in critical condition, officials said. The suspect was also shot and was being treated at a hospital, police said.
How many National Guard troops are in Washington?
Around 2,100 National Guard troops were in Washington as of this morning. Of those, 925 are from the D.C. National Guard, and the rest are from other states, according to Joint Task Force — District of Columbia.
West Virginia had 181 members of its guard in D.C., according to the task force.
Guard members were on ‘high visibility patrols’ when suspect opened fire, police say
National Guard members were on “high visibility patrols” when a gunman opened fire on them, police said.
Members of the guard were on patrol near 17th and High streets NW when the gunman came around the corner and shot at them, Executive Assistant Police Chief Jeffery Carroll told reporters.
"The suspect came around the corner, he immediately started firing a firearm at the two National Guard members," Carroll said.
Other National Guard members in the area who heard the gunfire responded, he said.
“They actually were able to intervene and to kind of hold down the suspect, after he had been shot, on the ground until law enforcement got there within moments,” Carroll said.
He said police were investigating who shot the suspect.
Shooting to be investigated as possible act of terrorism, sources say
The FBI will initially investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, two senior U.S. law enforcement officials said.
The officials said the suspect, who is alleged to have used a handgun, has been initially identified as an Afghan national. Law enforcement officials are still trying to confirm all of the person’s details, they said.
A motive has not been determined, and the nature of the investigation could change.
Both guard members were shot in the head, sources say
Both guard members were shot in the head, according to a U.S. official and a senior official directly briefed on the investigation.
Authorities still working to identify shooter
Authorities believe they are close to identifying the man they believe is responsible for today’s “targeted attack,” two senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation say.
Two guard members are in critical condition, officials say
Bowser and FBI Director Kash Patel said the two guard members are in “critical condition.”
At a news conference this evening, Bowser described the incident as a "targeted shooting." Patel said the case will be treated as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said the shooting occurred at 2:15 p.m. when a person “came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard members.”
D.C. mayor says National Guard members were 'targeted'
At a media availability gathering this evening, Bowser called the shooting of two National Guard members this afternoon "targeted," saying a suspect who was taken into custody "appeared to target these guardsmen."
Bowser also told reporters that she has briefed Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was speaking to Trump when she called, as well as U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Bowser said Pirro "assured me that this case will have her office's complete attention."
500 additional National Guard members will be sent to D.C., Hegseth says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said today that Trump had asked him, and he will in turn ask the Army secretary, to add 500 guard members to Washington after today’s shooting.
“This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful,” Hegseth told reporters. “But if criminals want to conduct things like this, violence against America’s best, we will never back down.”
He said the suspect opened fire “in a cowardly, dastardly act targeting the best of America.”
West Virginia lawmakers respond to shooting
West Virginia's two senators decried the shooting of two National Guard members from their state.
"Cathy and I were devastated to hear about the horrific shooting that took place near the White House earlier today involving 2 National Guardsmen," Sen. Jim Justice said in a statement. "We will keep them in our prayers."
Shelley Moore Capito said she's closely monitoring the "terrible news out of D.C."
"Praying for the guardsmen, their families, and everyone impacted as we learn more," she said in a statement.
As of Monday, there were 180 members of the West Virginia National Guard on duty in Washington, according to the Joint Task Force.
W.Va. governor now says there are 'conflicting reports' on condition of guard members
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey appeared to walk back his previous post announcing the deaths of the two National Guard members, saying his office is "now receiving conflicting reports" about their conditions.
"We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information," Morrisey wrote on X. "Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community."
Vance addresses shooting in remarks to troops in Kentucky
Vice President JD Vance addressed the shooting near the White House in his remarks this afternoon to troops at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
"Apparently there was a shooting outside the White House just a couple of hours ago, and we’re still learning everything. We still don’t know the motive. There’s a lot that we haven’t yet figured out, but what we do know is that a couple of National Guardsmen were injured in the line of duty," Vance said.
"And first of all, I want everybody who’s a person of faith to say a prayer for those two National Guardsmen that they’re able to spend Thanksgiving with their families instead of losing their lives, because I understand they’re still in pretty tough condition," he added.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said this afternoon that both National Guard members had died.
Congressional leaders react to shooting
Multiple members of Congress offered their prayers and support after the shooting of two National Guardsmen near the White House.
“My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on X. "I am closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families. I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect.”
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said on X: "Praying for the National Guard members wounded in this horrific shooting. Thankful for the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who swiftly apprehended a suspect. There is no place for violence in America.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., praised troops in a social media post this afternoon for their "heroic work this year working around the clock to make our nation’s capital safe again" after Trump deployed the National Guard in Washington in August as part of a crackdown on crime.
"We are forever grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement and for all those who risk their own lives to protect everyone else," Johnson wrote on X.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said on X: “As I monitor the situation that’s developing near the White House, my thoughts and prayers are with the National Guardsmen who were attacked this afternoon. I urge you to keep them in your prayers, too.”
Both National Guard members die of injuries, West Virginia governor says
The two National Guard members who were critically wounded this afternoon have died, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
"It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries," he wrote on X. "These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country."
Guard members wounded near Farragut West Metro Station
National Guard members were "involved in a shooting" near a busy Washington, D.C., Metro station, authorities said.
They "were involved in a shooting near the Farragut West Metro Station," the National Guard Joint Task Force said in a statement.
The guard "is working closely with Metro PD and partner law enforcement agencies," the statement added.
FBI is on scene, Kash Patel says
The FBI is at the scene and is assisting in the investigation, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
“Please pray for them and we will update with more information as we are able,” he wrote on X.
Trump says guard members were 'critically wounded,' suspect also 'severely wounded'
Trump described the suspect who allegedly shot two members of the National Guard today in dehumanizing terms, calling them an "animal" and saying that they "will pay a very steep price."
"The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president also lauded the National Guard, military and law enforcement, calling them "truly Great People," who have his support.
Police said that at least one suspect was in custody.
Ground stop in place at Reagan National Airport
A ground stop was in place at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport “due to security,” and due to the proximity to the shooting scene, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson said.
The stop was issued shortly after the shooting of two National Guardsmen in the nation's capital.
The FAA also held traffic to allow a medevac chopper to land and other overwatch helicopters to fly in the area of the airport. As of 3:30 p.m. ET, the FAA is holding arrivals at the airport but allowing departures.
President Donald Trump is not in Washington today
Trump is at Mar-a-Lago for the Thanksgiving holiday and has been briefed on the shooting in Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
"The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed," said Leavitt.
Vice President JD Vance is visiting Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
2 National Guard members wounded
A pair of National Guard members were wounded in the downtown Washington, D.C., shooting, officials said.
"Please join me in praying for the two National Guardsmen who were just shot moments ago in Washington D.C.," according to a statement by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
National Guard members stand behind the crime scene tape at a corner in downtown Washington today. Drew Angerer / AFP - Getty Images
A suspect is in custody, D.C. police say
At least one suspect has been taken into custody, police said,
"The scene is secured," MPD said in a statement. "One suspect is in custody."
Washington police say there has been a shooting at 17th and I Street
Gunfire erupted in downtown Washington, D.C., today with city police urging residents to stay clear of this “critical incident,” authorities said.
Metropolitan police officers rushed to “the scene of a shooting at 17th and I Street, NW,” according to a department statement.
“Please avoid the area,” the agency added.
Metro Transit Police officers also responded to the scene, officials said.
