An Afghan national who came to the United States under “Operation Allies Welcome” has been identified as the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan citizen reportedly from Khost province, allegedly opened fire on two patrolling members of the West Virginia National Guard near the Farragut West Metro Station in Washington D.C. at approximately 2:15 PM (local time) on Wednesday afternoon.
Police described the incident as an “ambush.” Both injured guardsmen are reported to be in serious condition. Lakanwal was also wounded during the exchange of fire and is currently in police custody.
Lakanwal’s Entry into the U.S.
Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in September 2021 as part of “Operation Allies Welcome,” the program established to resettle Afghan refugees following the U.S. withdrawal.
He was residing in Bellingham, Washington state, with his wife and five children, and was reportedly employed by Amazon and Amazon Flex.
Ties to U.S. Forces
Initial reports suggest Lakanwal had a prior working relationship with various U.S. government agencies, including the CIA.
Fox News, citing U.S. intelligence sources, reported that Lakanwal was a member of a “partner force” in Kandahar.
NBC News reported, via a relative of Lakanwal, that he served for a decade in the Afghan Army and worked alongside U.S. Special Forces during that time.
