Were Two National Guard Members Shot on Thanksgiving Eve in Washington?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident on Thanksgiving Eve, two National Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington, leaving them in critical condition. The alleged shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been arrested, and the incident has raised significant concerns about public safety. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Key Takeaways
- Two National Guardsmen critically injured in downtown Washington.
- Suspected shooter arrested; identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
- President Trump pledges justice for the victims.
- FBI to prosecute the case at the federal level.
- Deployment of National Guard troops extended through summer 2026.
Washington, Nov 27 (NationPress) Two National Guardsmen were critically injured in a shooting incident in downtown Washington, as reported by local media outlets.
CBS News highlighted that the suspected shooter, now in custody, has been named as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021.
The shooting took place less than 2 kilometers from the White House on Wednesday (local time). Notably, US President Donald Trump was not in Washington at the time, as he is currently in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Following the incident, Trump expressed on X, “The individual who shot the two National Guardsmen, both of whom are critically wounded and currently in separate hospitals, is also severely injured. However, they will face significant consequences. God bless our National Guard and all Military and Law Enforcement. These individuals are truly remarkable. I stand with you as President of the United States, alongside everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency!”
Washington’s Mayor Muriel Bowser described the event as a “targeted shooting.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the decision to deploy an additional 500 troops to Washington.
During a press briefing, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the case will be handled at the federal level, citing it as “an assault on federal law enforcement officers.”
In recent months, various states have sent Guard personnel to Washington as part of President Trump’s public-safety initiative, which has now expanded to several major US cities.
Currently, about 2,400 National Guard troops are stationed in Washington, including approximately 958 from the DC National Guard and around 1,300 from eight different states. This deployment has been extended through the summer of 2026.
The ongoing presence of National Guard forces in Washington has sparked political debate. Advocates claim that the deployment has helped stabilize neighborhoods plagued by crime, while detractors argue that the extended presence of out-of-state troops blurs the line between civilian law enforcement and military intervention.
Point of View
We remain committed to delivering unbiased coverage of significant incidents. The shooting of two National Guardsmen raises serious questions about security in our nation's capital. Our focus is on providing accurate information while supporting the community affected by this tragic event.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Washington on Thanksgiving Eve?
Two National Guardsmen were shot in downtown Washington and are currently in critical condition.
Who is the alleged shooter?
The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who entered the US in 2021.
What has President Trump said about the incident?
President Trump condemned the shooting, stating that the shooter will face significant consequences and expressed support for the National Guard.
How many National Guard troops are currently in Washington?
There are approximately 2,400 National Guard troops deployed in Washington.
What are the political implications of this incident?
The incident has sparked debate about the ongoing presence of National Guard forces in Washington and its impact on civilian law enforcement.
