标签： North America

In a brazen daylight assault, two National Guard members were critically wounded in a targeted shooting just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The attack occurred at approximately 2:00 PM EST near Farragut Square at the intersection of 17th and I Streets, a bustling downtown Washington DC area frequented by office workers during lunch hours.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll characterized the incident as an ambush, stating the suspect emerged from around a corner and immediately opened fire at close range. The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe from the West Virginia National Guard, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remain in critical condition following surgery.

The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended at the scene after being shot four times during his capture. Law enforcement officials confirmed he is not cooperating with authorities. Investigation reveals Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program established during the Biden administration following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.

According to official statements, Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. forces and intelligence agencies in Afghanistan. He had been granted asylum earlier this year after applying in 2024. The suspect resided in Washington state with his wife and five children.

President Donald Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida during the incident, condemned the attack as ‘an act of terror’ and ‘a crime against humanity.’ In response, the president announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital and suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans. Trump further called for a comprehensive re-examination of all Afghan immigrants who entered the country during the Biden administration.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Lakanwal will face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a potential 15-year sentence, plus firearm charges related to crimes of violence. The current National Guard presence in Washington DC numbers nearly 2,200 troops, who serve in a limited capacity as they lack law enforcement authority.

Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the tragedy of the situation, noting that Beckstrom had volunteered for holiday duty so others could be with their families. Both soldiers now fight for their lives as their families maintain vigil at hospital rooms.

Canada is poised to enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with China at an accelerated pace, according to Jennifer May, the Canadian Ambassador to China. Speaking at a reception commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, May emphasized the commitment to addressing key bilateral issues swiftly. The event, held in Beijing, was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Canadian Embassy. May highlighted a significant turning point in the relationship following the recent China-Canada leaders’ meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. Additionally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted an invitation to visit China at a mutually convenient time, a move that May anticipates will further solidify the partnership. Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, praised the Canadian government’s proactive and constructive approach to fostering bilateral relations, expressing confidence that such efforts will garner public support and withstand historical scrutiny.

At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, significant financial governance discussions unfolded during the 55th Special Session of the UN Board of Auditors and the 65th Session of the UN Panel of External Auditors held from November 24-25, 2025. The meetings brought together top auditing officials from member states to address critical financial oversight matters within the UN system.

Hou Kai, China’s Auditor General and representative on both UN auditing bodies, participated actively in the proceedings. The special session featured comprehensive reviews of audit activities conducted during the second half of 2025, while participants also formulated the strategic audit plan for 2026 and addressed specific matters referred by UN legislative bodies.

In his address, Hou acknowledged the substantial achievements made by the Board throughout the year, emphasizing their contribution to ongoing UN reform initiatives, management optimization, and governance enhancement. With his six-year term concluding in mid-2026, Hou expressed confidence that China’s audit team would maintain its commitment to independence and professional excellence in executing the UN General Assembly’s mandate, ensuring both continuity and quality in audit outcomes.

The parallel session of the Panel of External Auditors facilitated substantive exchanges between Hou, fellow panel members, and UN officials. Discussions centered on several priority areas including the UN80 Initiative’s implementation framework, financial and administrative challenges, digital transformation efforts, and standardized audit practices across the UN system.

During his New York visit, Hou additionally inspected Chinese audit operations at the UN Secretariat, engaging with on-site auditors. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international auditing standards while maximizing China’s expertise in economic oversight. Hou encouraged the team to maintain focus on their core responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to developing a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable United Nations.