Afghan Vet Arrested After Allegedly Shooting National Guard Members in D.C.
An Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. His background as a former member of an elite counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan has raised immediate concerns regarding the vetting processes for individuals who were evacuated to the U.S. after the Taliban’s takeover.
Why It Matters
Lakanwal’s case shines a spotlight on the complexities involved in the evacuation and resettlement of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces. The incident has implications for national security, motivating scrutiny over the effectiveness of current vetting protocols designed to ensure the safety of American citizens while recognizing the contributions of Afghan allies.
Key Developments
- Background: Lakanwal previously served in NDS-03, an elite counterterrorism unit backed by the CIA in Afghanistan, where he fought the Taliban on behalf of the U.S. government.
- Entry to U.S.: He was evacuated in August 2021 under humanitarian parole, which allowed thousands of Afghans at risk from the Taliban to enter the country.
- Vetting Concerns: FBI Director Kash Patel indicated the investigation would focus on Lakanwal’s past relationships in Afghanistan and questioned the adequacy of his vetting before entering the U.S.
- Immigration Status: Lakanwal had an active special immigrant visa (SIV) application but had yet to secure a green card. He was granted asylum in April 2025.
- Reactions: AfghanEvac, a nonprofit aiding Afghan evacuees, emphasized that vetting is comprehensive and does not reflect the broader Afghan community.
Full Report
Allegations and Arrest
Rahmanullah Lakanwal was arrested after allegedly shooting two National Guard members on Wednesday. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed the incident, which has raised alarms regarding security protocols for Afghan evacuees.
Background and Service
According to AfghanEvac, a nonprofit comprised of U.S. veterans, Lakanwal served in one of Afghanistan’s most respected counterterrorism units, NDS-03. This unit was reportedly coordinated by the CIA and was pivotal in targeting the Taliban.
Entry into the United States
Lakanwal was evacuated by the U.S. military during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. He arrived in the U.S. under humanitarian parole, a decision intended to provide safe haven for those threatened by the Taliban, especially those who assisted U.S. forces. His asylum application was granted in April 2025, although it fell under the Trump administration.
Investigation Focus
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Lakanwal’s associations in Afghanistan would be vital to understanding the motivations behind the shooting. Patel also criticized the Biden administration for allegedly allowing Lakanwal into the U.S. without proper vetting, a claim which he presented without substantiation.
Community Response
Navy veteran Shawn VanDiver, founder of AfghanEvac, expressed the importance of not generalizing the actions of an individual to the entire Afghan community. He noted that while investigations are essential, the vast majority of Afghan evacuees are law-abiding citizens contributing positively to American society. AfghanEvac reiterated that vetting processes are among the strictest for immigrant populations.
Context & Previous Events
Lakanwal’s arrival in the U.S. coincided with the major evacuation efforts of Afghans following the rapid Taliban takeover in 2021. During this period, tens of thousands of Afghans who had aided U.S. military efforts were granted entry under special immigrant visas and humanitarian parole, amid heightened scrutiny and concern for their safety from Taliban reprisals.
