National Guard Shooting Investigation: Afghan Suspect in Custody After Attack Near White House

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were critically wounded in an ambush-style shooting Wednesday afternoon just blocks from the White House, sparking a comprehensive investigation and immediate policy changes regarding Afghan immigration processing. The attack occurred during what authorities described as a routine patrol near a Washington D.C. metro station, raising serious security concerns about the protection of military personnel in the nation's capital.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

The shooting unfolded in what law enforcement sources characterized as a "clear ambush" and "calculated attack." According to CBS News reporting, the two National Guard members were posted outside a metro station when the gunman opened fire without warning. The first victim, Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was struck immediately and collapsed where she stood, sustaining at least two gunshot wounds.

Authorities revealed that the suspect, armed with a handgun, initially fired four rounds before taking the fallen Guard member's weapon and using it to continue shooting, striking the second victim, Pfc. Andrew Wolfe, 24. The attack was ultimately stopped when a third Guardsman stabbed the suspect with a pocketknife while a fourth returned fire, shooting the suspect multiple times.

Victims and Suspect Identification

Both National Guard members remain in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. "They are receiving the finest medical care. Their families are with them now," Pirro stated during a news conference, adding that "it's not clear how it's going to end up." The victims had been serving in the district since August and were deputized before the attack to maintain their status to conduct patrols.

The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021. According to Department of Homeland Security officials, Lakanwal was paroled into the U.S. on humanitarian grounds in September 2021, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His asylum application was granted earlier this year, and his request for a green card remains pending.

Background and Investigation Developments

Significant details have emerged about the suspect's background and the ongoing investigation. The CIA confirmed that Lakanwal "previously worked with the U.S. government, including CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar that ended in 2021" following the military withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to a former Afghan commando who spoke with CBS News, Lakanwal led a unit of Afghan special forces that worked closely with international troops.

FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect's last known address in Washington state and found associates in San Diego. "During that process, we seized numerous electronic devices to include cellphones, laptops, iPads and other material that is being analyzed as we speak," Patel stated. Law enforcement sources indicate the suspect is not cooperating with authorities.

Policy Implications and Security Response

In response to the shooting, the Trump administration has taken immediate action regarding Afghan immigration. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an indefinite pause on processing all immigration applications for Afghan nationals. "Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols," the agency stated.

President Trump addressed the situation, stating "We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden." The administration is also reviewing all asylum cases approved under the previous administration, reflecting heightened security concerns following the attack.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect will face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, along with charges of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges could change depending on the condition of the wounded Guard members. Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active, with multiple leads being pursued across the country.

While the motive remains unclear, U.S. Attorney Pirro noted that "there are definitely areas that we're looking into, but not ready to say." The suspect had reportedly driven across the country from his residence in Bellingham, Washington, where he lived with his wife and children, before carrying out the attack in Washington, D.C.