National Guard Shooting Investigation Reveals Suspect's CIA Background and Cross-Country Journey

In a shocking development that has raised national security concerns, federal investigators have uncovered critical details about the suspect responsible for the brazen daylight shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The attack, which occurred near the White House during the pre-holiday season, has prompted significant policy responses and ongoing legal challenges regarding military deployments in the nation's capital.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

The incident unfolded when the suspect opened fire on two National Guard members as they waited at a bus stop in Washington, D.C. According to law enforcement officials, the attack was captured on surveillance footage showing the suspect using a .357 revolver to shoot one Guard member, then firing again after the soldier fell to the ground before turning his weapon on the second Guard member. The quick response by law enforcement led to the suspect being tackled to the pavement and taken into custody moments after the shooting.

Suspect Background and Investigation Findings

Federal authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a program established following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Investigators revealed that Lakanwal drove across the country from his home north of Seattle specifically to carry out the attack, though authorities continue to search for a clear motive.

Most notably, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the suspect had previously worked with an agency-backed paramilitary unit during the U.S. war in Afghanistan. According to information from PBS NewsHour reporting, Lakanwal was evacuated by the U.S. military in August 2021 after the fall of Kabul and first arrived under humanitarian parole after undergoing thorough vetting under the Biden administration. He was later granted asylum earlier this year by the Trump administration.

Administration Response and Policy Implications

President Trump characterized the shooting as an act of terror and announced immediate policy changes in response. The administration has ordered a reexamination of every alien who entered the country from Afghanistan under Biden-era programs and vowed to intensify mass deportation efforts. The U.S. Customs and Immigration Services has been directed to conduct a full-scale reexamination of green cards for individuals from countries of concern, specifically referencing an executive order listing 19 countries including Afghanistan and Yemen.

Additionally, the president ordered 500 more National Guard troops to Washington, supplementing the approximately 2,000 already deployed to the city. This deployment extension comes amid ongoing legal challenges from the D.C. attorney general, who argues that the continued National Guard presence violates the city's rights to self-government.

Community Response and Broader Implications

Shawn Vandiver, president of the nonprofit organization AfghanEvac, expressed concern about the broader implications for the Afghan community in the United States. Vandiver emphasized that the entire Afghan community should not be held accountable for one individual's actions and criticized what he characterized as prejudice disguised as policy. He noted that the Trump administration had already been working on closing pathways for legal Afghan migrants even before this incident occurred.

The shooting has reignited debates about immigration policy, national security vetting procedures, and the appropriate use of military forces in domestic settings. As investigators continue their work to determine the suspect's motives, the incident has already prompted significant policy shifts that will affect both national security protocols and immigration procedures for the foreseeable future.