UPDATE: An Afghan national has been charged in the shocking shooting of two National Guard members just blocks from the White House on November 15, 2023. The incident unfolded at approximately 3:00 PM EST, leaving the guard members in critical condition, according to the FBI and local officials.
The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan who entered the United States through the controversial Operation Allies Welcome program in 2021. He faces serious charges after allegedly opening fire on the servicemen, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both were deployed in Washington, D.C., when the attack occurred.
During a press briefing on November 16, 2023, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, confirmed that Lakanwal suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation and is currently in custody. The FBI is leading the investigation, emphasizing the severity of the attack on military personnel in the nation’s capital.
This incident raises urgent questions about security and the vetting process for Afghan refugees brought to the U.S. following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Critics of the resettlement program have cited concerns about the risks posed by some individuals entering the country.
Lakanwal’s background includes work with the CIA in Afghanistan, highlighting the complexity of his situation. Resettlement advocates are urging the public not to judge all Afghan refugees based on the actions of one individual, emphasizing that the majority are fleeing danger and seeking safety.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. This alarming incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and its potential impact on national security.
Stay tuned for further developments in this critical case.
