A chilling incident unfolded just blocks from the White House on the eve of Thanksgiving, leaving two National Guard members critically wounded. The alleged gunman, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was swiftly apprehended by authorities following the brazen attack.
The shooting is currently under investigation as a potential act of international terrorism, raising serious questions about national security and the vetting processes for those entering the country. Investigators are meticulously piecing together the events leading up to the assault, seeking to understand the motive behind this violent act.
Lakanwal arrived in the United States legally in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. This initiative aimed to provide refuge for vulnerable Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces during the conflict, offering them a chance at a new life.
Remarkably, Lakanwal’s asylum application had been approved years prior, during the Trump administration. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative, prompting scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding his initial acceptance into the country.
Intelligence sources reveal a prior connection between Lakanwal and elements within the U.S. government, specifically the CIA. He had previously served as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, Afghanistan, working alongside U.S. operatives.
Prior to the shooting, Lakanwal had been residing in Washington state, having arrived in Bellingham approximately four years ago with his wife and five children, according to his former landlord. The journey of over 2,500 miles to Washington, D.C., remains a key point of investigation.
Eyewitness accounts describe a swift and decisive response from other Guardsmen who immediately tackled the shooter after he opened fire. The attacker reportedly emerged around a corner and began firing directly at the service members.
The suspect sustained severe injuries during the confrontation, though it remains unclear whether he was wounded by a Guardsman or a responding police officer. Authorities are diligently working to establish a clear timeline and determine the precise sequence of events.
The attack has sparked strong reactions from political figures. The incident was described as a “targeted shooting” by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the violence.
The condition of both the wounded Guardsmen and the suspect remains critical as medical personnel continue to provide care. The nation awaits further updates as the investigation progresses, seeking answers and justice in the wake of this unsettling event.
