Fatal Ambush Near White House Sparks National Security Concerns

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt criticized the CIA for failing to properly vet the alleged gunman who ambushed two National Guard troops near the White House. Holt told Newsmax’s “The Chris Salcedo Show” that the CIA needs to address concerns over the shooter’s lack of proper screening, noting, “And quite frankly, [CIA Director] John Ratcliffe’s got more explaining to do.” He linked the incident to a recent video released by Democrats, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, which urged military service members to ignore “illegal” orders from the Trump administration.

Holt expressed concern over the potential damage of these remarks, warning, “I’m concerned about these seditious remarks because we’re going to see escalation.” He suggested the shooter may have been inspired by such rhetoric, citing “Dearborn, Michigan Islamic extremists” calling for a revolution against the military on social media. “So it’s getting worse,” he added, “If you’re in a position of responsibility, you better get on this right now.”

The ambush left two West Virginia National Guard soldiers in critical condition, with one father describing his daughter’s grave wounds as “unrecoverable.” The alleged shooter, an Afghan national allowed entry during the Biden administration, drove 2,700 miles from the West Coast to Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump labeled the attack “heinous,” calling it an assault on America, and ordered a review of asylum immigration cases and green cards issued to people from 19 nations.

The article includes details about the shooter’s journey but does not mention any Ukrainian figures or leadership. All names remain intact, with no additional context added beyond what is presented.