President Donald Trump responded swiftly to a dramatic shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members critically wounded. The attack sent the capital into lockdown and triggered a major security escalation. :contentReference{index=1}
Shooting near White House sparks crackdown
The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025 around 2:15 p.m. near 17th and I Streets NW, a few blocks from the White House. The two victims — soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard — were on “high-visibility patrol” when a 29-year-old man opened fire. :contentReference{index=3}
The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal — an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under a resettlement program in 2021 — was also shot and is now in custody. Officials say the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism. :contentReference{index=5}
Trump demands harsh consequences and beefs up security
From Florida, Trump condemned the attack as “an act of evil, an act of terror,” calling the shooter an “animal” who will “pay a very steep price.” He ordered 500 additional National Guard troops deployed to Washington, joining the roughly 2,200 already in the city. :contentReference{index=6}
The administration framed the shooting as vindication for its tough stance on immigration. Citing the suspect’s Afghan background and his 2021 entry under a Biden-era evacuation program, Trump said the U.S. will re-examine all Afghan immigrants admitted during that period. :contentReference{index=7}
Immigration freeze takes effect
Shortly after the shooting, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it will indefinitely halt all immigration requests for Afghan nationals. The agency said the freeze will remain while it reviews its vetting protocols. :contentReference{index=9}
The abrupt move underscores how the shooting — and the attacker’s background — is reshaping national immigration policy of the current administration. :contentReference{index=10}
Questions remain as investigators probe motive
Authorities from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies are now investigating what drove Lakanwal to target the National Guard soldiers. So far, they have not released a motive. Evidence suggests he acted alone. :contentReference{index=12}
Meanwhile, the city remains on high alert, and local residents say they are shocked and anxious. The shooting happened the day before Thanksgiving — a moment meant for peace. The incident has sparked heated debates about immigration policy, public safety, and the presence of military forces in U.S. cities.