Summary
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, is accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, DC, killing one and injuring another. He came to the United States as part of a program for Afghans who worked with American troops. Lakanwal struggled with mental health issues and is said to have been "radicalized" in the U.S.
Key Facts
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of attacking two National Guard members in Washington, DC.
- The attack resulted in the death of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and injury of Andrew Wolf, 24.
- Lakanwal came to the U.S. in 2021 through a program for Afghans working with U.S. troops.
- Emails from 2024 suggest Lakanwal had mental health problems and rarely left his room.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Lakanwal was "radicalized" in the U.S.
- He was granted asylum in 2024 and lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his family.
- Lakanwal has been hospitalized after being shot during the incident and faces murder charges.
- President Trump declared a pause on migration from "third world countries" and all asylum decisions are currently on hold.
