What we know about the DC shooting suspect’s shadowy Afghan CIA unit?

Al JazeeraThursday, December 4, 2025 at 12:15:36 PM
  • An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been identified as the suspect in a shooting incident that critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in Washington, D.C. Lakanwal, a veteran of the CIA's Zero Units, entered the U.S. in September 2021 and has pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from the November 26, 2025, attack.
  • This incident raises significant concerns regarding the vetting process for Afghan refugees, particularly those with military backgrounds, as it highlights potential security risks associated with individuals who have previously worked with U.S. intelligence agencies.
  • The shooting has sparked a broader debate about the implications for Afghan refugees in the U.S., especially in light of rising tensions surrounding immigration policies and national security. The incident has led to calls for stricter immigration controls and has intensified scrutiny of the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome, which aimed to resettle Afghan allies.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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