On November 27, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard, identified as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, were critically injured in a shooting incident near the White House. The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, reportedly ambushed the Guardsmen while they were on patrol near the Farragut West Metro station. Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to assist Afghan nationals following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been charged with multiple counts, including assault with intent to kill.

The incident occurred shortly after Beckstrom and Wolfe had been sworn in, raising questions about the safety of military personnel in urban environments. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Lakanwal used a .357 Magnum revolver during the attack and reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" while firing. He was subdued by other Guardsmen after sustaining injuries during the exchange.

Following the shooting, President Donald Trump ordered an increase of 500 National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., and called for a review of immigration policies concerning Afghan nationals. This incident has sparked discussions about the implications of U.S. immigration policies, particularly regarding the vetting processes for individuals from conflict zones. Critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of these processes, especially in light of the chaotic evacuation of Afghans during the Taliban's resurgence.

The FBI is treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism and is investigating Lakanwal's background, including his previous work with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The Department of Homeland Security has announced a suspension of immigration processing for Afghan nationals pending a review of security protocols. This incident highlights ongoing debates about the balance between humanitarian efforts to resettle individuals from conflict areas and the need for robust national security measures.

As investigations continue, the conditions of the injured Guardsmen remain critical, and the broader implications of militarization in urban settings, particularly in relation to community safety and public perception of law enforcement, are under scrutiny.