Did a Washington Attacker Collaborate with US Military in Afghanistan?
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Synopsis
A shocking incident near the White House reveals that a gunman who injured two National Guard members had ties to the US military during the Afghan war. This story unfolds a complex narrative involving immigration policies and national security.
Key Takeaways
- The attacker had previously worked with US military forces in Afghanistan.
- Two National Guard members are in critical condition after the shooting.
- The incident has raised significant national security concerns.
- President Trump has condemned the act and increased military presence in the capital.
- US immigration processing for Afghan applicants is temporarily halted.
Washington, Nov 27 (NationPress) A gunman who severely injured two members of the US National Guard close to the White House had previously collaborated with the US military during the conflict in Afghanistan.
The CIA has confirmed that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, worked with a military unit backed by the US during the Afghan war.
He entered the United States in September 2021 via an immigration initiative from the Biden administration aimed at Afghans who assisted US troops.
Authorities disclosed on Thursday that he traveled over 4,000 kilometers across the nation to execute the attack.
US attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the suspect departed from his residence in Bellingham, Washington, and drove across the country with the intent to launch the assault. It was reported that he utilized a .357 revolver to fire upon the National Guard members on Wednesday afternoon.
The injured soldiers, identified as Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe from the West Virginia National Guard, are both in their 20s and currently in critical condition.
Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Fox News that the two soldiers underwent surgery, but no further medical updates were provided.
The incident occurred within 500 meters of the White House, while former President Trump was in Florida celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday.
FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that agents are interviewing witnesses and executing search warrants in D.C. and various locations on the West Coast.
After the suspect's nationality was confirmed late Wednesday, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a temporary halt on processing immigration applications from Afghanistan, affecting asylum seekers and green-card applicants.
President Donald Trump characterized the incident as an “act of terror.”
“This despicable act was driven by evil and hatred, representing a crime against our nation and humanity,” Trump stated.
He also declared the deployment of an additional 500 troops to bolster security in the capital.
Currently, there are approximately 2,400 National Guard troops stationed in Washington, comprising around 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1,300 from various other states.
In recent months, multiple states have dispatched Guard members to Washington as part of President Trump’s public safety enforcement.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the complexity of this incident, which intertwines issues of national security, immigration, and the consequences of past military engagements. The implications of this attack extend beyond the immediate tragedy, prompting necessary discussions about how we protect our citizens and manage immigration processes.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated the attack near the White House?
The motivation behind the attack is still under investigation, but the suspect had a background linked to the US military in Afghanistan.
What is the current condition of the injured guards?
The two National Guard members are in their 20s and remain in critical condition after undergoing surgery.
What actions are being taken by the FBI?
The FBI is actively interviewing witnesses and executing search warrants in response to the incident.
How is the US government responding to this shooting?
President Trump has condemned the act as terrorism and announced the deployment of additional troops to enhance security in Washington.
Are there implications for Afghan immigrants in the US?
Yes, following the incident, there is a temporary pause on processing immigration applications from Afghanistan, impacting various Afghan applicants.
