Summary
Online conspiracy theories have emerged about Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a suspect in a shooting of National Guard members in Washington, D.C., because of his past work with the CIA. Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under an initiative for Afghans who helped U.S. forces. Authorities confirmed his CIA ties, but emphasized there is no evidence linking his past work to the recent attack.
Key Facts
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a suspect in a Washington, D.C. shooting involving National Guard members.
- Lakanwal is an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.
- He came to the U.S. under "Operation Allies Welcome" in September 2021.
- Social media conspiracy theories have emerged, speculating on his CIA connection.
- Officials have not found any link between Lakanwal’s CIA past and the shooting.
- Newsweek confirmed small searches of his name in D.C. around the time of the incident.
- Lakanwal is currently in custody pending further information release.
