The Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House previously worked with U.S. government entities, including the CIA, during his time in Afghanistan.
An Afghan national has been accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, reportedly worked with various U.S. government entities, including the CIA, while serving as a member of a partner force in Afghanistan.
Lakanwal entered the United States shortly after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, arriving a month later under “Operation Allies Welcome.” This program was initiated to assist Afghan allies who had worked with U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict.
Intelligence sources informed Fox News Digital that Lakanwal had established a relationship with U.S. government entities due to his involvement with a partner force in Kandahar. CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized that the Biden administration justified Lakanwal’s entry into the U.S. based on his previous work with the CIA and other government agencies.
“In the wake of the disastrous Biden withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the U.S. government, including the CIA,” Ratcliffe stated. “The individual—and so many others—should have never been allowed to come here.” He further expressed concern over the ongoing repercussions of the administration’s actions, stating, “Our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration’s catastrophic failures.”
The FBI is currently leading the investigation into the shooting, which is being examined as a potential act of international terrorism. Officials confirmed that the two West Virginia National Guardsmen involved in the incident remain in critical condition.
In a national address following the shooting, former President Donald Trump condemned the attack, labeling it a “savage attack.” He described the incident as a “monstrous ambush-style attack” that occurred just steps away from the White House. Trump characterized the shooting as a “heinous assault,” an “act of evil,” and a “crime against our entire nation.” He expressed his condolences to the families of the injured Guardsmen, stating, “The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginia National Guard and their families.” He also conveyed a sense of righteous anger and determination to ensure that the perpetrator faces severe consequences.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the media shortly after the incident, confirming that the shooting was a targeted attack. “One individual appeared to target these guardsmen. That individual has been taken into custody,” she explained during a news conference.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover further details surrounding the shooting and the suspect’s background.
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