Afghan Evacuee Identified as Suspect in DC National Guard Shooting

A shooting in Washington, D.C. has left two National Guardsmen critically injured. The suspect has been identified as an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021. The incident occurred near the White House on Wednesday, prompting a brief lockdown.

Authorities are investigating the motive behind what the city’s mayor called a “targeted act.” According to CBS News, the FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of national terrorism.

Suspect Entered U.S. Through Afghan Relocation Program

Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He is 29 years old. Reports from Fox News state he entered the U.S. in September 2021.

He arrived under Operation Allies Welcome. That was a Biden administration initiative for Afghan evacuees. Lakanwal had been living in Washington state prior to the attack.

The shooting happened at close range. Officials say Lakanwal approached one guardsman and fired. He then shot a second guardsman who sought cover.

Both victims sustained head wounds. They remain in critical condition. The suspect was also critically injured during the incident.

Investigation Focuses on Motive and Immigration Path

The precise motive remains unclear and under active investigation. The location, just blocks from the White House, raised immediate security concerns. President Trump was in Florida at the time.

The case highlights scrutiny of U.S. immigration vetting processes. This is especially true for programs created during the rushed Afghanistan withdrawal. Officials must now trace the suspect’s background and activities since his arrival.

The event has sparked discussions on national security and vetting protocols. It also puts a renewed focus on the challenges of resettling evacuated populations. The long-term implications for policy are now being debated.

The identification of the suspect in the DC National Guard shooting has opened a complex investigation into motives and background. This case directly links a violent act to a recent major U.S. foreign policy event.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?

He is the 29-year-old Afghan national identified as the suspect. He entered the United States in 2021 under a special evacuation program.

What was the motive for the shooting?

The motive is still under investigation. The FBI is probing it as a potential act of national terrorism, but no definitive cause has been announced.

How are the shot National Guardsmen?

Both soldiers were shot in the head. They are currently in critical condition, according to official reports.

Was the White House affected?

The White House complex was placed on a brief lockdown as a precaution. The shooting occurred just a few blocks away from the executive mansion.

How did the suspect enter the United States?

He entered through Operation Allies Welcome. This was a 2021 program to resettle Afghan allies following the U.S. military withdrawal.

What is Operation Allies Welcome?

It was an initiative launched by the Biden administration. Its goal was to support the relocation and resettlement of vulnerable Afghans after the fall of Kabul.