WASHINGTON D.C. — In a dramatic turn in the investigation of Wednesday’s shooting near the White House, federal officials have confirmed that the Afghan national accused of ambushing two National Guard members previously worked with the CIA during the war in Afghanistan.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The two wounded Guardsmen, identified as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe (24) of the West Virginia National Guard, remain in critical condition after being attacked in broad daylight.
The Suspect’s U.S. Ties
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, along with other federal leaders, identified the alleged gunman as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.
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CIA Confirmation: CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had a prior working relationship with the agency. Lakanwal was reportedly a member of a CIA-backed partner force in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This relationship ended after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
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Entry to the U.S.: Lakanwal came to the United States in September 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, which brought tens of thousands of Afghans to the country who had worked with U.S. forces.
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Asylum Status: Lakanwal was living in Washington state and drove across the country to carry out the attack. He had recently been granted asylum in the U.S.
Details of the Targeted Attack
The attack unfolded around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station, just blocks from the White House.
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Ambush: U.S. Attorney Pirro stated that Lakanwal used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in an “ambush-style” attack on the two uniformed Guardsmen who were on a routine patrol.
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Victims’ Status: Both Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe are fighting for their lives after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Pirro said the Guardsmen were sworn into service less than 24 hours before the shooting.
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The Charges: Lakanwal, who was wounded by returning fire from other Guard members and is currently hospitalized, will face charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Pirro warned that these charges could be raised to First-Degree Murder if either of the Guardsmen dies.
Terrorism Investigation and Political Fallout
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism, leading a “coast-to-coast investigation” to determine Lakanwal’s motive and whether he acted alone.
In response to the news:
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President Donald Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington D.C.
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The Department of Homeland Security has indefinitely halted the processing of all immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending a full security review.
The attack has ignited a fierce national debate regarding the vetting process for individuals brought into the country under humanitarian programs like Operation Allies Welcome. U.S. Attorney Pirro emphasized that the attack was not just a shooting but a “direct challenge to law and order in our capital.”
Next Steps in the Investigation: The FBI is executing search warrants in Lakanwal’s last-known residence in Washington state and looking for any possible overseas or domestic links that may have led to the targeted ambush.
