November 26, 2025

Evacuate Our Allies Coalition Statement in Response to Shooting of Two National Guardsmen in Washington, DC on November 26, 2025. 

Washington D.C. — Our hearts are with the two injured National Guard members, their families, and the West Virginia National Guard after the terrible attack in Washington, D.C. on November 26. As a coalition made up of faith-based groups, advocates, and veterans, we recognize it is especially heartbreaking for families facing this pain during the holidays. We condemn this brutal, reprehensible attack without reservation. We are horrified by this attack on service members and demand justice and accountability for the perpetrator. 

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, we also witnessed an alarming vilification of an entire community based on the actions of a lone individual. No community, Afghan or otherwise, should be judged, demonized, or collectively punished for the behavior of one person. Such narratives cause real harm, inflame tensions, and overlook the truth: one individual does not represent millions. Collective blame is not only unjust but dangerous. It undermines the immense sacrifices our nation’s Afghan allies made, sacrifices that cost many their safety, their homes, their loved ones, and, in too many cases, their lives.

For more than twenty years, Afghans served, sacrificed, and fought alongside U.S. forces, often at extraordinary personal risk. They were targeted precisely because they chose to stand with the United States of America. These allies continue to contribute to communities across the United States as neighbors, advocates, healthcare workers, small business owners, Uber drivers, students, and responsible members of the community. Their courage and partnership helped save many American lives, and their continued solidarity strengthens our nation. 

The actions of this individual do not reflect the sacrifices that Afghans made during the war in Afghanistan and the contributions they continue to make in the United States. 

Reactionary policies targeting all Afghans in the United States, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ indefinite pause in processing applications by Afghans, fail all of us. We are committed to working with partners throughout the United States government to adopt real, strategic solutions for safety and prosperity. We will continue to advocate and support Afghan allies who stood with America during its longest war.