Afghan National Suspected in Shooting of National Guardsmen near White House
A recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guardsmen were wounded, has raised severe concerns about the vetting processes for Afghan refugees. The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is reported to have connections with a CIA paramilitary unit in Afghanistan, allegedly ambushed the soldiers just blocks from the White House on the day before Thanksgiving.
Why It Matters
The unfolding details about Lakanwal’s background highlight significant questions regarding the U.S. government’s current resettlement processes for Afghan nationals. As part of Operation Allies Welcome, intended to assist those who supported American forces in Afghanistan, his case underscores the complexity and potential vulnerabilities of the vetting systems in place for refugees admitted to the country.
Key Developments
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal was accused of shooting Guardsmen Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe near Farragut West Metro station.
- He entered the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole in 2021 after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
- Lakanwal was part of NDS-03, a CIA-operated unit involved in counterterrorism missions against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
- Both National Guardsmen underwent surgery and remain in critical condition.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro raised concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees, citing failures in background checks.
- A senior U.S. official stated Lakanwal had been thoroughly vetted through multiple databases before his entry to the U.S.
Full Report
Background of the Suspect
Lakanwal served with an elite CIA counterterrorism unit known as NDS-03, which operated in the southern areas of Afghanistan. This unit was involved in high-stakes missions against militant groups and was considered highly trusted by U.S. forces. Reports indicate he began working with the CIA at a young age, with claims suggesting he might have forged his age to meet employment criteria.
Entry into the United States
Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome aimed at resettling vulnerable Afghans after the swift withdrawal of American troops. His asylum application was granted under the Trump administration in April 2025, with assertions that he underwent standard vetting procedures, including checks with the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). A senior official commented that nothing notable appeared in the vetting process.
Incident Details
On November 26, Lakanwal allegedly shot Beckstrom and Wolfe in what has been described as a "targeted attack." Both soldiers returned fire, wounding Lakanwal, who has since been hospitalized under guard. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to scrutinize the circumstances of the shooting and the effectiveness of current vetting protocols.
Authorities’ Response
Following the incident, officials have expressed discontent over the vetting procedures employed during the resettlement of Afghan evacuees. Pirro emphasized that this shooting reflects the dangers associated with inadequate background checks, while FBI Director Kash Patel echoed concerns about the Biden administration’s approach to admitting Afghan nationals.
Context & Previous Events
NDS-03 was known as one of several paramilitary units collaborating with the CIA in Afghanistan, often referred to as "Zero Units." In the wake of the Taliban’s resurgence and subsequent U.S. withdrawal in 2021, Operation Allies Welcome sought to facilitate the relocation of Afghans who had previously aided U.S. forces. The program’s implications and effectiveness have come under renewed scrutiny following the recent shooting incident near the White House.
