Federal authorities indicate National Guard shooting suspect became radicalized after arriving in the United States.

Authorities are investigating the case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old man who stands accused of fatally shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The shooting incident on November 26 resulted in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and the serious injury of 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. Both individuals were serving on patrol in the nation’s capital at the time of the attack, which took place just blocks from the White House.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem provided insights into Lakanwal’s background during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” According to Noem, Lakanwal was radicalized shortly after arriving in the United States from Afghanistan in 2021. Investigators believe that his radicalization occurred through connections he made within his community and state. The inquiry into Lakanwal’s interactions and associations is ongoing, with federal officials keen to understand the factors that may have contributed to his actions.

In addition to first-degree murder, Lakanwal has been charged with first-degree assault in connection with the shooting. He reportedly grew increasingly isolated from his community in Bellingham, Washington, where he lived with his wife and five children. An acquaintance revealed to the Associated Press that Lakanwal had stopped functioning as a father and provider since March 2023, quitting his job and demonstrating notable behavioral changes. Concerns about his mental health prompted the acquaintance to seek assistance from a refugee aid organization, fearing Lakanwal may have been suicidal.

Prior to the shooting, Lakanwal made a series of long drives across the country, including a trip from Washington State to D.C. He arrived in the United States as part of the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021. Lakanwal was previously involved with the CIA as a member of a “Zero Unit,” a group of Afghan commandos engaged in operations coordinated by the agency. His asylum claim was approved by the Trump administration in April 2022.

In light of the tragic incident, President Trump has announced a pause on all asylum cases as part of the ongoing response to the shooting. The implications of this event extend beyond the immediate impact on those affected, raising broader concerns about security and mental health support for refugees. As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on how to enhance monitoring and support systems for individuals who may be at risk of radicalization.

This incident underscores the complex relationship between refugee experiences, mental health challenges, and national security, further fueling discussions about policy reform in these intertwined domains.

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