WASHINGTON, DC: US law enforcement officials have identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, as the suspected gunman in Wednesday’s shooting that wounded two members of the West Virginia National Guard just a few blocks from the White House.
The attack unfolded on November 26, 2025, near the Farragut West Metro Station, where three guard members were on routine patrol. According to police, Lakanwal allegedly ambushed the soldiers, opening fire at close range before being shot and subdued by a third guard member.
The FBI is leading the investigation and is treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, though the motive remains unclear.
How the Attack Happened
Officials say the shooting began without warning. Lakanwal allegedly raised a handgun and fired four rounds — the full capacity of the weapon at the time:
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The first victim, a female Guard member, was hit immediately and collapsed on the spot, sustaining at least two gunshot wounds.
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Lakanwal then took her service weapon and continued shooting, striking a second Guard member.
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A third Guard member returned fire, shooting the suspect and ending the attack.
Both soldiers are now in critical condition, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Police believe Lakanwal acted alone, describing the incident as an ambush-style assault.
Who Is the Suspect?
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Lakanwal arrived in the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome — a humanitarian resettlement program launched after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
Key details about his immigration history include:
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2021: Paroled into the US on humanitarian grounds after the fall of Kabul.
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2024: Applied for asylum with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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2025: Asylum status granted; his green card application is still pending.
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Visa Status: Some early reports suggested he had overstayed his visa, but DHS later clarified he was admitted legally under humanitarian parole.
Operation Allies Welcome allowed tens of thousands of Afghans — including interpreters, former military partners, and civilians at risk — to resettle temporarily in the United States. Some Afghans were later granted asylum or special immigrant visas.
Lakanwal has not cooperated with investigators since his arrest, officials say.
Suspect Shot and Taken Into Custody
After being wounded by returning fire, Lakanwal was detained by law enforcement and National Guard personnel. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remains under guard.
Authorities have not identified any additional suspects and say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The shooting has triggered renewed debate in the United States over the vetting and long-term monitoring of Afghan evacuees admitted between 2021 and 2022.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Lakanwal’s entry under the Biden-era resettlement program, saying US agencies are “reviewing all aspects of the suspect’s background.”
The White House has not commented publicly on whether additional security measures will be introduced for Afghan migrants or other humanitarian parolees.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local police are continuing forensic analysis and interviews as they work to determine whether Lakanwal acted independently or was motivated by a wider ideology.
Officials say the case remains “fluid” and is expected to evolve as more information becomes available.
