Suspect in Washington DC national guard shooting had ties to CIA, agency confirms
NegativeU.S News
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been identified as the suspect in a targeted shooting incident that critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in Washington, D.C. The CIA has confirmed that Lakanwal previously worked with agency-backed military units during the U.S. war in Afghanistan. The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
- This incident raises significant concerns regarding the vetting processes for Afghan nationals resettled in the U.S. under programs like Operation Allies Welcome, which aimed to provide refuge to those who assisted U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. Lakanwal's asylum status, granted in April 2025, has sparked debates about the effectiveness of immigration policies and national security measures.
- The shooting has led to immediate political repercussions, including an indefinite halt on immigration from Afghanistan announced by the Trump administration. This incident not only highlights the complexities of integrating Afghan allies into American society but also reflects broader tensions surrounding national security, immigration policy, and the responsibilities of the U.S. government towards those who aided its military operations abroad.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
