What's happened
On November 26, 2025, two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the White House. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US via the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome in 2021, was taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries. President Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, DC.
What's behind the headline?
National Security and Immigration Policy Intersection
The shooting near the White House exposes vulnerabilities in vetting processes for immigrants admitted under emergency resettlement programs like Operation Allies Welcome. The suspect's Afghan nationality and asylum status granted under the Biden administration have become focal points in political discourse, particularly for former President Trump, who has called for a comprehensive review of Afghan entrants.
Political Implications and Security Measures
Trump's swift order to deploy 500 additional National Guard troops underscores a hardline stance on urban security and immigration enforcement. This move will likely intensify debates over the militarization of law enforcement in Washington, DC, especially given the ongoing court challenges and mixed public opinion.
Broader Impact on Afghan Resettlement
The incident risks fueling skepticism toward Afghan refugees, potentially complicating resettlement efforts and community integration programs. It also highlights the challenges of balancing humanitarian commitments with national security concerns.
Forecast
Expect increased scrutiny of immigration vetting procedures and potential policy shifts aimed at tightening controls. The National Guard's role in DC will likely expand temporarily, but political and legal pressures may shape its future deployment. Public discourse will remain polarized, with security concerns pitted against refugee support.
Reader Relevance
This story impacts readers by spotlighting national security risks linked to immigration policies and the visible presence of military forces in civilian spaces, raising questions about safety, civil liberties, and government accountability.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera provides a detailed account of the suspect's background, quoting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's assertion that the suspect was among "unvetted Afghan nationals" admitted under Biden's Operation Allies Welcome, framing the incident as a national security failure. The Times of Israel and The Independent offer granular details on the shooting, including the suspect's identity, the critical condition of the two West Virginia National Guard members, and the ongoing investigation into the motive. They also highlight the political context of Trump's deployment of troops to DC and his response to the attack.
The New York Times and AP News focus on the immediate security response, including Trump's order to send 500 more National Guard troops and the mixed reactions from local officials like Mayor Muriel Bowser, who acknowledges crime reduction but questions the deployment's efficiency. SBS and France 24 emphasize the timeline and location of the shooting, noting the lockdown near the White House and the suspect's custody status.
These sources collectively illustrate a complex narrative: a violent attack near a symbol of US power, the suspect's refugee background, and the political ramifications for immigration and security policies. The coverage varies from detailed investigative reporting to political commentary, offering readers a multifaceted understanding of the event and its implications.
How we got here
Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the Biden administration launched Operation Allies Welcome to resettle vulnerable Afghans in the US. Concurrently, President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington, DC, in August 2025 to address crime, a move that sparked debate amid falling local crime rates. The Guard's presence has been contentious, with some residents uneasy about the military role in policing.
Go deeper
- What is Operation Allies Welcome and how does it work?
- Why were National Guard troops deployed to Washington, DC?
- What are the security implications of this shooting?
Common question
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What happened during the D.C. shooting near the White House?
A recent shooting near the White House has raised serious concerns about security in Washington D.C. The incident involved gunfire that injured two National Guard members, prompting a swift response from authorities. This event has sparked questions about ongoing threats, security measures, and the role of military presence in the city. Below, we explore the details of what happened, why additional troops were deployed, and what it means for the safety of the nation's capital.
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How Will the D.C. Shooting Impact US Security and Politics?
Recent violence near the White House has raised serious questions about national security, law enforcement, and political stability. With the deployment of additional National Guard troops and ongoing tensions, many are wondering how these events will shape US policies moving forward. Below, we explore key questions about the implications of this incident and what it means for the future of security in America.
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What’s Behind the Recent Global Instability and Conflicts?
Recent headlines reveal a world grappling with ongoing conflicts, political scandals, and security threats. From failed ceasefires in Sudan to political indictments and security crises in Washington, D.C., these events raise questions about the common factors driving instability worldwide. What do these incidents tell us about the state of global peace and security today? Below, we explore key questions to understand the bigger picture behind these headlines.
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What Happened Near the White House Involving Gunfire?
Recently, a shooting near the White House has raised serious concerns about security and safety in the U.S. capital. Two National Guard members were critically injured in a targeted attack, prompting a major law enforcement response. Many are now asking what exactly happened, who was involved, and what it means for national security. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this incident and what it signifies for ongoing security measures in Washington, D.C.
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How Do Recent Attacks Near the White House Impact US Security?
Recent security incidents near the White House have raised serious concerns about national safety and diplomatic stability. These attacks, involving targeted shootings of National Guard members, highlight ongoing vulnerabilities and prompt questions about the effectiveness of current security measures. In this page, we explore the implications of these events, what they mean for US security, and how authorities are responding to prevent future threats.
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How Do Law Enforcement Respond to Shootings Near the White House?
Recent incidents involving gunfire near the White House have raised serious questions about security protocols and law enforcement responses. Understanding how authorities react to such threats can help clarify the measures in place to protect officials and the public. Below, we explore common questions about law enforcement actions, security protocols, and the broader impact of these events.
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