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Two National Guard Members Shot in D.C.; Immigration for Afghans Paused

2025-11-27

The BareStory

Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot and critically wounded in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday in what law enforcement sources described as a targeted, ambush-style attack near the White House. The suspect was shot by other service members and is in custody at a hospital. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, according to authorities.

Officials identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. A Department of Homeland Security official stated that Lakanwal entered the U.S. on humanitarian parole in 2021 and was granted asylum in 2025. A CIA spokesperson confirmed Lakanwal had previously worked with the agency as a member of a partner force in Afghanistan.

Following the attack, the Trump administration announced it would deploy an additional 500 National Guard troops to the city. President Trump also stated that the immigration status of all Afghans who entered the U.S. under the prior administration would be reexamined for potential removal. Former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama condemned the violence.

In a direct response to the shooting, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has indefinitely halted the processing of all immigration applications from Afghan nationals, pending a review of security and vetting protocols. The service members were in D.C. as part of an anti-crime mission ordered by the administration in August. That deployment has faced a legal challenge, and a federal judge recently ruled it was likely unlawful but paused the ruling to allow for an appeal.

Left Perspective

  • The attack is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.
  • The administration is deploying more troops to enhance security in the capital.
  • Immigration and vetting protocols for Afghan nationals are under review.

Right Perspective

  • The suspect was a vetted individual who had previously assisted the U.S.
  • The government's policy response affects all Afghan applicants, not just the individual.
  • The military mission in D.C. was already facing legal challenges.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Immigration for Afghan nationals is indefinitely paused. The status of Afghans who entered under a prior administration will be reviewed for potential removal.

• An additional 500 National Guard troops will be deployed to Washington, D.C., leading to an increased military presence and heightened security in the city.

• The attack may prompt a broader review of security and vetting protocols for asylum seekers, as the suspect had previously been vetted and granted asylum.

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