An Afghan national with ties to the CIA’s partner forces shot and critically wounded two National Guard soldiers near the White House on Thanksgiving Day. The incident immediately ignited a fiery political debate over the effectiveness of the Biden-era Afghan assistance program that facilitated the suspect’s entry into the U.S. As the FBI investigates the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, the case highlights profound tensions between humanitarian obligations to allies and urgent national security concerns.
Story Highlights
- The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, traveled thousands of miles to carry out the attack.
- Lakanwal entered the U.S. under a Biden-era Afghan assistance program.
- Incident sparks political debate on immigration vetting procedures.
- FBI investigates the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
Suspect’s Background and Entry into the U.S.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was identified as the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House on November 26, 2025. Lakanwal previously worked with CIA partner forces in Afghanistan and entered the United States through a program designed to assist Afghan allies after the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021. His entry into the country under the Biden administration’s program is now under intense scrutiny.
The program that facilitated Lakanwal’s entry was intended to provide refuge to those who had collaborated with American forces, including interpreters and military contractors. However, his ability to travel across the country—from Washington state to Washington, D.C.—to carry out an attack raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of vetting and monitoring processes.
The man who shot the National Guard troops worked with the CIA for years in Afghanistan in a covert unit that was accused of the widespread killing of civilians. This raises so many questions about why this guy travelled from Washington State all the way to DC to shoot soldiers pic.twitter.com/AkmxEyscTQ
— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) November 27, 2025
Details of the Incident and Immediate Response
The shooting occurred on Thanksgiving Day, a major national holiday, which adds to the symbolic weight of the attack. Two young National Guard soldiers, Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom, were critically wounded and underwent emergency surgery. The suspect was shot multiple times by responding officers and is currently hospitalized with severe injuries.
The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Law enforcement officials executed multiple search warrants at Lakanwal’s residence in Washington state to gather evidence about his motivations and whether he acted alone or with support from others.
Political and Security Implications
The incident has reignited political debates about immigration vetting procedures and national security. The Trump administration, which has long criticized the Biden-era Afghan assistance program, is using this event to push for stricter immigration controls. The complexities of Lakanwal’s prior CIA relationship add layers to the ongoing discussions about national security and intelligence oversight.
The case highlights the tensions between fulfilling humanitarian obligations to Afghan allies and ensuring national safety. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover further details about Lakanwal’s motivations and any potential threats to national security.
Watch the report: Suspect who shot National Guard soldiers in DC worked with CIA in Afghanistan | BBC News
Sources:
Suspect in National Guard shooting served alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan, relative says
What we know about shooting of National Guard in Washington DC
Afghan national who once worked with the CIA faces charges in D.C. ambush
