An Afghan national and former CIA-linked Afghan Army operative, who immigrated to the United States in 2021, has been identified as the suspect who allegedly drove from Washington state to Washington, D.C. before carrying out a deadly ambush on two West Virginia National Guard soldiers just blocks from the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, one of the two Guard members shot in the attack, died from her injuries, describing her as a “highly respected” and “magnificent” young service member during a Thanksgiving call with troops.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan special forces unit known as the Zero Unit before relocating to the U.S., according to a relative who spoke anonymously with the Associated Press. Lakanwal and his brother both emigrated through Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era resettlement program that brought more than 76,000 Afghans to the U.S. after the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
FBI investigates attack as terrorism
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the victims as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, and described the attack as an “ambush-style” shooting with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. She said Lakanwal currently faces charges including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a violent crime, noting that charges may be upgraded depending on Wolfe’s condition.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the shooting is being investigated as a terrorist act, calling it a “coast-to-coast investigation” involving multiple search warrants.
Suspect’s background and CIA connection
According to U.S. intelligence officials, Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA as part of a partner force in Kandahar, the Taliban heartland and one of the most heavily contested regions during the Afghanistan War. Former CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed the partnership ended shortly after the U.S. evacuation from Kabul.
Lakanwal had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children, according to his former landlord. He had worked his way up to team leader and GPS specialist in the Afghan special forces unit beginning in 2012.
Political fallout and renewed debate over Afghan refugee vetting
The rare attack on National Guard troops on U.S. soil comes amid intense national debate over the security vetting of Afghan refugees. Following the shooting, President Trump called for a reinvestigation of Afghans admitted through Operation Allies Welcome, stating that those who “cannot love our country” shouldn’t be allowed to stay.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the attack appeared aimed at America itself, not at a particular political figure or institution.
Troops subdued the gunman near the White House
The shooting took place near a metro station approximately two blocks northwest of the White House. Responding troops tackled and restrained the gunman after he was shot, though officials have not confirmed whether he was struck by Guard fire or by law enforcement.
Authorities say there is no indication of additional suspects. At least one of the Guard members reportedly exchanged gunfire with the shooter.
