Suspect in D.C. National Guard shooting had ties to CIA in Afghanistan

The Department of Homeland Security has named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, as the suspected assailant in the ambush that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and injuries to another near the White House on Wednesday.

The CIA confirmed that Lakanwal previously collaborated with U.S. forces, including the CIA, as part of a partner unit in Kandahar, which was disbanded in 2021 after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Authorities report that the suspect was shot by another National Guard member during the incident and is now hospitalized. No additional suspects have been identified, according to multiple law enforcement sources.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that Lakanwal faces three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and charges for possessing a firearm during a violent crime. These charges could be updated depending on the Guard members' condition.

Background of the Suspect

Lakanwal, 29, entered the U.S. in 2021 under a Biden-era program for Afghan nationals, known as Operation Allies Welcome. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed his parole entry on September 8, 2021. President Trump referred to him as a foreign national from Afghanistan and noted that his status had been extended under legislation signed by President Biden. DHS officials clarified that his entry was on humanitarian grounds following the Taliban takeover.

Lakanwal later applied for asylum in 2024, which was approved in 2025. His application for a green card, tied to the asylum grant, remains pending. Many Afghan nationals admitted in 2021 received special immigrant visas or temporary humanitarian parole, while over 8,000 others were granted temporary protected status, extended by President Biden in 2023.

Connections to U.S. Military and Intelligence

A CIA spokesperson verified that Lakanwal worked with U.S. and British forces during the Afghanistan war, leading a unit in the Afghan national armed forces. A former Afghan commando indicated that Lakanwal was deeply affected by the death of a close comrade in 2024, who had unsuccessfully sought asylum in the U.S. Investigators are examining whether paranoia and mental health issues influenced his actions.

Details of the Shooting

The suspect was subdued by National Guard and law enforcement officers at the scene and is currently uncooperative. Officials described him as a "lone gunman" who ambushed Guard members during a patrol near a downtown D.C. transit station. He initially fired four rounds, injuring one female Guard member, who collapsed, and then used her weapon to shoot a second member. A third Guard member returned fire, ending the attack.

Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died as a result of the attack. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition after surgery. The Guard was on a high-visibility patrol as part of a multi-state deployment ordered by President Trump. Lakanwal reportedly drove from Bellingham, Washington, intending to target the nations capital and lived with his wife and five children.

Investigation and Digital Forensics

The FBI executed a search at Lakanwal's Bellingham residence, locating associates in San Diego and seizing multiple electronic devices for analysis. Federal investigators are reviewing his digital activity nationwide and globally. Family members in Washington state have been interviewed, and authorities continue to scrutinize his online footprint. Earlier reports had mistakenly spelled his last name as Lakamal.

Analysis of the Recent D.C. Shooting Incident

The tragic incident near the White House that led to the death of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and the injury of Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has raised significant questions about the motives and background of the alleged assailant, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. As the investigation progresses, several factors are emerging that could help explain the underlying causes of this attack, shedding light on the complexities of the suspect's background and the broader implications for U.S. security.

Lakanwal's history, particularly his affiliation with U.S. and British forces during the Afghanistan war, adds a layer of complexity to this case. His work with military intelligence, especially within a partner unit in Kandahar, raises questions about what may have led him to turn against the country that had once been his ally. Reports of mental health issues and paranoia, possibly linked to personal losses, may also provide crucial insights into his actions. The death of a close comrade in 2024, who had unsuccessfully sought asylum in the U.S., could have played a pivotal role in his state of mind at the time of the attack.

Additionally, the shooting itself presents a chilling picture of how quickly such an ambush can unfold. The assailant, acting alone, managed to injure two National Guard members before being shot by another Guard member. This highlights both the vulnerability and the preparedness of military personnel stationed for high-visibility patrols in the nation's capital. As investigators continue to analyze Lakanwal's digital footprint and conduct interviews with his associates and family, further details about his motivations may emerge, offering a more complete understanding of the events that transpired.

As this case develops, it is essential to consider the broader implications for U.S. national security. The entrance of individuals like Lakanwal, under humanitarian programs, may warrant reevaluation of vetting processes, especially as the country continues to grapple with the consequences of the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. The fact that Lakanwal had asylum granted in 2025 and was in the process of applying for a green card brings attention to the potential challenges of balancing security concerns with the humane treatment of refugees.

Sources:

• D.C. National Guard shooting suspect worked with CIA in Afghanistan