Washington, D.C. — An Afghan national, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is under investigation following a shooting incident that left two members of the National Guard injured just blocks from the White House on Wednesday. The incident unfolded when Lakanwal allegedly ambushed the troops as they were on patrol near a mass transit station. He was apprehended after being shot by another Guard member and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Lakanwal, 29, first entered the United States in September 2021 as part of a humanitarian program aimed at assisting Afghan nationals fleeing the Taliban’s resurgence. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the suspect was granted parole under Operation Allies Welcome, which was implemented to provide refuge for evacuees after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan and led to a chaotic exodus.
The suspect applied for asylum in 2024, which was approved in 2025, though his application for a green card tied to that status remains pending. This legal pathway has allowed thousands of Afghan nationals, including those who supported U.S. military efforts, to gain entry into the country during a critical period.
The shooting incident raised serious concerns among law enforcement and security officials. Jeff Carroll, chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s executive assistant, reported that Lakanwal acted as a “lone gunman,” ambushing the National Guard members without provocation. The attack began with Lakanwal using a handgun to shoot the first victim, a female Guard member, who was critically injured. He then reportedly seized her weapon and continued firing, injuring a second member.
Both injured National Guard troops are from West Virginia and are listed in critical condition. They were part of a high-visibility patrol initiative that has seen National Guard members deployed to the area in response to heightened security needs.
While Lakanwal is currently in custody, law enforcement agencies indicated he has not been cooperating with investigators. As authorities continue to piece together the events surrounding this attack, they are also examining the broader implications of security protocols concerning individuals who enter the country under humanitarian grounds.
The shooting incident has intensified the national dialogue about immigration policies, particularly regarding individuals from Afghanistan. With more than 8,000 Afghan nationals receiving temporary protected status, this case underscores the complexities surrounding national security and refugee admission, amidst contrasting stances on immigration from past and current administrations.
Updates to the investigation and additional details about Lakanwal’s background are expected as law enforcement agencies work to clarify the motives behind this shocking ambush. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the injured Guard members and protecting the safety of those patrolling the nation’s capital.