Afghan Evacuee Identified as Prime Suspect in Shooting of National Guard Members Near White House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. law enforcement officials have identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, as the prime suspect in a shooting that wounded two members of the National Guard in a high-security area just blocks from the White House. The incident has immediately ignited a fierce political debate over national security and the vetting of refugees admitted during the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan.

The Attack and Aftermath

According to authorities, the incident unfolded at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday near the Farragut West Metro station, a busy downtown transit hub. The gunman allegedly opened fire on National Guard members who were stationed in the area as part of a routine security presence. The sound of gunfire sent ripples of panic through the district, which is home to numerous federal buildings and is perpetually on high alert.

In a swift response, security forces engaged the suspect. During an exchange of gunfire, the attacker was wounded and subsequently subdued. Washington D.C. police confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, where he remains under tight security supervision.

The two wounded National Guard members sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are currently in stable condition, according to a Pentagon statement.

The Suspect and Immigration Status

Investigators have revealed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration’s resettlement program for Afghans who fled the Taliban takeover. Initial reports, corroborated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sources, indicate that Lakanwal had overstayed his visa and was residing in the country unlawfully at the time of the attack.

This detail has placed immediate and intense scrutiny on the emergency resettlement processes implemented during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. While over 70,000 Afghans were vetted and admitted, this case raises questions about the long-term monitoring of individuals whose status may change.

Investigation and Potential Motives

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken the lead in the investigation. A senior law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the bureau is examining the incident as a potential act of terrorism, but emphasized that investigators are pursuing all leads and have not yet reached a final conclusion on the motive.

“At this early stage, we are looking at every possible angle—including whether the suspect was inspired by a foreign terrorist organization or acted on a personal grievance,” the official said. “It is critical that we allow the investigation to proceed based on evidence, not speculation.”

Political Fallout and National Security Scrutiny

The shooting has triggered sharp political reactions. Former President Donald Trump issued a statement describing the suspect as a “monster” and vowing that he would “pay a very heavy price.” He and other Republican leaders have pointed to the incident as evidence of what they call failed immigration and vetting policies by the current administration.

In response, a White House spokesperson expressed full confidence in the security vetting process for Afghan allies but acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. “Our first priority is the well-being of the service members who were attacked. We are closely monitoring the investigation and will ensure justice is served,” the spokesperson said.

The attack is expected to fuel existing debates in Congress over legislation aimed at tightening background checks for refugees and enhancing immigration enforcement. Security analysts suggest that the case will likely lead to a review of protocols for monitoring individuals admitted under humanitarian parole or emergency resettlement programs.

As the investigation continues, federal authorities have urged the public against jumping to conclusions while warning that visible security may be heightened around key government installations in the Washington, D.C. area in the coming days.

 

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