2 US National Guard members shot near White House; Afghan immigration processing halted

WASHINGTON (MNTV) — Two US National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday, prompting President Donald Trump to call the attack “an act of evil, hatred and terror” and triggering an immediate freeze on all Afghan immigration processing.

Trump, speaking from Florida, said the suspect entered the country from Afghanistan in 2021 during former President Joe Biden’s term. U.S. media identified the man in custody as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

Trump vowed “the steepest possible price” for the attacker and said Homeland Security had confirmed the suspect’s immigration background.

The president also ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, DC, adding to more than 2,000 personnel already deployed under his crime and immigration crackdown.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the wounded Guard members were in critical condition.

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll visited them in hospital. Initial reports from West Virginia’s governor suggesting they had died were later described as “conflicting.”

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called it a “targeted shooting,” while police said there was no indication of additional suspects.

Vice President JD Vance said investigators were still working to determine a motive.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the shooting, which happened “just steps from the White House,” underscored the need for heightened security.

Hours later, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an indefinite suspension of all Afghan-related immigration requests, citing the need to review security and vetting protocols.

“The safety of the American people remains our singular mission,” the agency said.

Senior lawmakers from both parties said they were monitoring the situation and thanked first responders.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the National Guard for its “heroic work” in protecting the capital.