Summary
Authorities are investigating the motive behind a shooting near the White House where an Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is accused of killing one National Guard member and injuring another. Lakanwal, who came to the U.S. through an evacuation program after working with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, faces charges including first-degree murder. Security in Washington, D.C. is a concern following the incident, and President Trump has deployed more National Guard members to the city.
Key Facts
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was charged with first-degree murder after a shooting near the White House.
- The attack resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and injury to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, both part of the West Virginia National Guard.
- Lakanwal allegedly drove from Washington state for the attack, using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.
- He came to the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, designed for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces.
- Lakanwal's mental health and behavior had raised concerns in his community before the shooting.
- President Trump increased National Guard presence in D.C. following this incident.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggested Lakanwal might have been radicalized after arriving in the U.S.
- The Trump administration has halted asylum decisions and paused Afghan visa issuances in response to the incident.
