Barack Obama condemns DC shooting, says 'violence has no place in America’
Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 27, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC: The shooting of two National Guard members on Wednesday, November 26, has raised fresh concerns about national security, refugee oversight, and the need for stronger law-and-order measures.
President Donald Trump strongly criticized the Afghan suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal involved in the incident, and Vice President JD Vance also condemned the attack.
Now, former President Barack Obama responded on Thursday, November 27, saying, "Violence has no place in America." He offered his prayers for the injured guard members and wished them a safe recovery.
Barack Obama responds with sympathy after guard members shot in DC
Barack Obama offered his condolences after the Washington, DC shooting, saying, "Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington, DC today."
He also said they "send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances."
Two National Guard members critically injured near White House in daylight shooting
Chaos erupted in Washington, DC, shortly after 2:15 pm on Wednesday, November 26, when gunfire broke out just minutes from the White House. Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in broad daylight. Authorities identified the suspect as 29-year-old Lakanwal, an Afghan national.
BREAKING: The Afghan National Terrorist, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who shot members of the National Guard near The White House, worked with the CIA as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/FUMjsfNXPA
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 27, 2025
Investigators say Lakanwal fired at the two National Guard members while they were on patrol, leaving both of them critically injured. Authorities are calling it a targeted attack, although the motive is still unknown. Officers returned fire and were able to stop Lakanwal, who is now hospitalized under guard.
One of the victims has been identified as 29-year-old Andrew Wolfe. The second victim, a female Guard member, was shot in the chest and head, but her name has not yet been released. Both were rushed to separate hospitals for emergency care.
What Donald Trump said about the National Guard shooting in DC?
President Trump voiced his support for the victims of the DC shooting and announced that an additional 500 National Guard troops would be sent to the city. On Truth Social, he described the shooter as an “animal” and warned that he would “pay a very steep price.”
"God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!” he added.
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These… pic.twitter.com/CyZJDqtdoR
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 26, 2025
Trump also criticized Biden before turning his attention to Somali immigrants in the country. According to CNN, the suspect, Lakanwal, applied for asylum in December 2024, and his application was approved in April under the Trump administration.
