National Guard shooting suspect worked with CIA in Afghanistan

November 27, 2025

An Afghan man who previously worked with CIA-backed forces in Afghanistan has been charged with shooting two National Guard members near the White House in what authorities are calling a targeted, ambush-style attack. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a special immigration program created after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan that brought approximately 77,000 Afghans to America. The two victims, both in their twenties, remain hospitalized in critical condition after being shot multiple times in downtown Washington.

Who is affected

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24 (National Guard members shot, in critical condition)
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29 (the suspect, in police custody and hospitalized)
Approximately 77,000 Afghans who entered the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome
Lakanwal's family (described as father of five)
National Guard members already deployed in Washington and those being newly deployed
Afghans with pending immigration requests to the U.S.

What action is being taken

Officials are reviewing Lakanwal's immigration history and vetting procedures
Trump is deploying an additional 500 National Guard troops to patrol Washington streets
More than 2,000 National Guard troops are currently guarding the nation's capital
The U.S. has suspended all immigration requests from Afghans
Lakanwal is being treated for injuries while in police custody

Why it matters

This incident has significant implications for U.S. immigration policy, particularly regarding special protections for Afghan allies who assisted American forces. The shooting raises critical questions about vetting procedures for individuals brought to the United States under emergency immigration programs, potentially affecting tens of thousands of Afghans who entered through similar channels. The attack also highlights ongoing national security concerns and has prompted immediate policy changes that could impact future refugee and asylum programs, while creating uncertainty for Afghan allies who worked with U.S. forces and their families still seeking refuge.

What's next

U.S. will "re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden"
Criminal proceedings against Lakanwal, who faces more than a decade in prison if found guilty of assault with intent to kill and firearm possession charges
Determination of whether charges will be elevated to first-degree murder depending on whether the victims survive

Read full article from source: BBC