Trump blames relaxed migration rules as America’s biggest security threat.
A shocking shooting just blocks away from the White House has left two West Virginia National Guard members fighting for their lives, sending ripples of concern across Washington, D.C. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, was described by city officials as a “targeted” attack, raising fresh questions about security and the circumstances behind the violence.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, the two service members were rushed to the hospital immediately after the attack and remain in critical condition. Bowser, visibly shaken during her public remarks, emphasised that early evidence indicates the shooting was not random. She vowed that law enforcement agencies were working around the clock to uncover the motive and ensure the city remains safe.
Authorities have identified the suspected shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. The program was launched to help evacuate and resettle Afghans who had assisted US forces or were at risk following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Officials are now piecing together the suspect’s background and movements in the days leading up to the attack.
The shooting has already sparked strong reactions from political leaders. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the violence in a heartfelt message posted on X, saying, “The shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is horrific and unacceptable. Jen and I are praying for the service members, their families, and the entire National Guard community.” His statement echoed a broader national mood of shock, sadness, and frustration.
Meanwhile, the commander of the Joint Task Force for the District of Columbia extended his “thoughts and prayers” to the families of the injured troops. He emphasised that the National Guard community is tightly knit and that incidents like this hit particularly hard, especially when service members are targeted while performing their duties in the nation’s capital.
In the political arena, former President Donald Trump weighed in, calling lax migration policies the “single greatest threat” facing the United States. While investigations into the suspect’s motives are still underway, Trump’s remarks have reignited heated debate over immigration programs and security screenings.
For now, Washington remains on edge as investigators continue combing through surveillance footage, witness statements, and the suspect’s digital footprint. Streets near the shooting site have been cordoned off, with an increased police presence visible throughout the area.
As the National Guard rallies around its wounded members, the country waits for answers. What remains clear is the deep sense of concern and sorrow that has spread nationwide—a reminder of how moments of violence can shake even the most secure corners of the capital.