Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, The Gunman Who Shot 2 National Guard Troops Near White House?

Two National Guard members from West Virginia were injured in a shooting incident near the White House. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national. The incident has raised concerns regarding the vetting of Afghan refugees in the U.S.

Two National Guard members from West Virginia sustained severe injuries in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday. A gunman reportedly targeted them, according to ABC News. The male and female victims were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Following this incident, President Donald Trump's administration dispatched 500 more National Guard troops to Washington. A White House official confirmed the premises were briefly locked down until approximately 5 pm. The lockdown was a response to ensure the safety of those within the vicinity.

Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?

The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan national. CBS News reported that Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021. Authorities continue to investigate his background and motives for the attack.

According to The New York Times, Lakanwal arrived in the US through a refugee programme for Afghans escaping their homeland. He was injured after allegedly targeting the National Guard members in a crowded tourist spot, acting alone, as per local authorities.

During the Biden administration's Operation Allies Refuge (OAR) and Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) programs, around 90,000 Afghans, including Lakanwal, gained entry into the US. They were eligible for Special Immigrant Visas, receiving immigration processing and resettlement aid.

A report by the Justice Department inspector general revealed flaws in vetting US-bound refugees during Afghanistan's fall to the Taliban. In June, officials found 55 Afghan evacuees on the terrorist watchlist. However, the FBI later removed 46 names, deeming them non-threatening.

Resettlement and Watchlist Findings

As of July 2024, nine evacuees remained on the terror watchlist, with eight residing in the US. Afghan evacuees, including allies and their families, were either placed with US relatives or temporarily housed in military "Safe Havens" until resettlement.

Bellingham, where Lakanwal lived, was one of the Washington cities designated for Afghan refugee resettlement under OAW. In 2022, about 800 refugees were resettled there, as reported by the Immigrant & Refugee Health Alliance. Other cities included Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, and Spokane.

Kash Patel Responds

The two Guardsmen were immediately hospitalised and remain in critical condition, according to statements from both the mayor and FBI Director Kash Patel. The presence of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., has been a deeply contentious issue for months, fueling an ongoing court battle and a broader public policy debate concerning the Trump administration's deployment of military personnel to address perceived crime issues.

Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, confirmed that investigators had not yet determined a motive for the attack. He reported that video evidence reviewed by investigators showed the assailant "came around the corner" and immediately opened fire on the troops. "This was a targeted shooting," Mayor Bowser stated definitively.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially released a statement claiming the troops had been killed, but he later retracted the information, stating his office was "receiving conflicting reports" about their condition.

A suspect, who is currently in custody, was also shot during the incident. The suspect's wounds are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The shooting occurred near a metro station, roughly two blocks northwest of the White House. Following the initial gunfire, other troops in the vicinity rushed to the scene and held down the shooter after he was hit, Carroll confirmed.

"It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard," Carroll said, though he added that it remains unclear whether one of the Guard members or a law enforcement officer ultimately shot the suspect. Carroll confirmed at a news conference, "At this point, we have no other suspects." Another law enforcement official, who also spoke anonymously, indicated that at least one of the Guardsmen exchanged gunfire with the assailant.

In response to the brazen attack, the Trump administration quickly ordered an immediate deployment of 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that President Donald Trump personally directed him to send the additional troops. Nearly 2,200 troops were already assigned to the joint task force operating in the city prior to the shooting.

The shooting incident has raised concerns over the vetting of evacuees during the resettlement process. Authorities are taking necessary steps to ensure such situations do not recur, prioritising safety and security for all involved.