Some Thoughts on the Shooting of 2 West Virginia National Guardsmen Near the White House

This afternoon, the day before Thanksgiving, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot a short distance from the White House. 

West Virginia's Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that both guardsmen had died but then subsequently indicated his office had received conflicting reports about their condition. Whatever the conflict, it is agreed that both guardsmen were shot in the head. In which case, there is chance both might not survive their injuries. That this should happen at all is tragic, but that it occurs the day before Thanksgiving makes it that much more heartbreaking for their loved ones. 

A suspect is in custody and has been identified as an Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal who entered the country in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome but subsequently overstayed his visa. Not one to miss an opportunity, President Trump announced following the shooting he will now review the cases of all Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. during the Biden Administration.

As far as I am concerned, should Lakanwal be convicted for what he has done (especially if the two Guardsmen die of their injuries) then he should be executed. However, I fear the remaining Afghan refugees, most of whom I suspect managed to go through life without killing anyone, will be subject to collective punishment. I shudder to think what might happen should ICE become involved.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I object to the Trump Administration deploying the National Guard for domestic law enforcement in American cities. However misguided the policy, it does not warrant acts of terrorism and violence. Indeed, such acts of terrorism and violence make it more likely this misguided policy will continue.

Two things stick out for me on a personal note. First, the shooting took place outside the Farragut West station on the Metro. During my only trip to D.C. 13 years ago this month, I took the Metro to Farragut West to attend The American Spectator dinner. Following the dinner, I took a short stroll to the White House. Second, the fact that both National Guardsmen are based in West Virginia which I visited on business this past June. 

I understand these might be inconsequential observations. But for me it puts this tragedy into further context. It serves as a reminder that violence can happen anywhere and at any time and in places one has been. Speaking of places I have been, it is also possible I have walked the same sidewalks as these National Guardsmen.

Yet when I think about it further, a verse from Neil Diamond's "Done Too Soon" comes to mind:

And each one there
Has one thing shared
They have sweated beneath the same sun
Looked up in wonder at the same moon
And wept when it was all done
For bein' done too soon
For bein' done too soon

For bein' done

At this point, I can only hope it isn't done for the two National Guardsmen.