Right after the shots were fired near the White House, he sent a text message. “I knew this would happen”
During the summer, the soldier participated in a federal mission supporting anti-illegal immigration efforts in Los Angeles. In an interview with The New York Times, he admitted that both he and his commanders had been afraid for months that the tasks they performed “they increase the risk that they will shoot at civilians or that civilians will shoot at them”. Other California Guard members also raised similar concerns.
The article continues below the video
What are the circumstances of the shooting near the White House?
Who was responsible for the attack on National Guard soldiers?
What procedures has the National Guard introduced in response to the threat?
What did President Donald Trump say after the shooting?
The National Guard warned subordinates. “High risk environment”
According to internal guidelines provided to soldiers in Washington, quoted by the American newspaper, in August, commanders warned subordinates that they were operating in a “higher threat environment”. The document mentioned, among others: the risk of attack by “nefarious perpetrators of violence”, people “inspired by foreign terrorist organizations”, and even civilians with extreme political views who may attempt a confrontation.
For this reason, soldiers were advised to travel in pairs, wear civilian clothes when off duty, and immediately report any suspicious behavior. In another official letter cited by The New York Times, it was assessed that the mission could become “an opportunity for extremists or individual perpetrators to pursue their own goals”. The documents were included in court files in connection with a lawsuit from the Washington authorities. They indicated that the deployment of soldiers untrained in law enforcement posed a risk to both the civilian population and the military themselves.
The shooting that occurred on Wednesday, November 26 near Farragut North Station, just a block from the White House, confirmed earlier fears. Two National Guard soldiers were severely shot by a lone attacker. Initially, their deaths were reported, but state authorities later denied the reports.
The FBI classified the incident as an attack on federal officers. As American media report, citing the services, the suspect is 29-year-old Afghan veteran Rahmanullah Lakanwalwho came to the US in 2021.
In response to the shooting, President Donald Trump sharply condemned the perpetrator and later announced a re-examination of all Afghans relocated during Operation Allies Welcome. At the same time, the Pentagon announced that it was being sent to the capital additional 500 National Guard soldiers.
