Suspect identified in shooting incident involving two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C.

The shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., has led to the identification of the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan citizen. Lakanwal, who arrived in the United States in 2021 as part of the evacuation efforts for Afghan allies during the two-decade conflict with the Taliban, was granted asylum in 2025 after applying for it in 2024. His application for a green card was pending at the time of the incident.

Lakanwal’s background reveals a complex history. While in Afghanistan, he worked alongside the CIA as a member of a partner force stationed in Kandahar, a location known for its strategic importance during the war and significant Taliban presence. Following the conclusion of the conflict, Lakanwal was among approximately 800 Afghan refugees resettled in Washington State, where he lived with his wife and five children.

The shooting incident occurred near the White House on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, when Lakanwal reportedly ambushed two members of the West Virginia National Guard. He used a .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolver in the attack, critically wounding Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, age 24, before another Guard member intervened, shooting and subsequently arresting him.

In the aftermath of this tragic event, the situation was characterized by confusion and urgency. Initially, officials reported that both soldiers had died from their injuries, only to later clarify that they remained in critical condition. National Guard officials and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, emphasized that investigations were ongoing and that various motives were being explored.

National security has been a focal point in the discussions surrounding this incident. With over 2,000 National Guard troops already deployed in the capital for security purposes, President Trump ordered an additional 500 personnel to the area following the attack. Notably, he was in Florida at the time of the shooting.

This event raises important questions about public safety, the complexities surrounding asylum seekers, and the ongoing challenges of national security in a post-war environment. The investigation into Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s motives and background will likely continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks, as authorities work to understand the implications of this targeted attack on military personnel.

As the nation grapples with these developments, the plight of Afghan refugees and their integration into American society remains a pertinent issue.

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