Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Afghan Shooter Radicalised in US, Struggled with Isolation
An Afghan man named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who came to the US in 2021, shot two National Guard members near the White House.
One of them died, and the other was badly hurt.
The authorities think Lakanwal became radicalised after he moved to the US.
He had been struggling with his life in the US, having trouble keeping a job and sometimes staying alone for long periods.
He also went on long drives across the country.
His family and community members were worried about him, but they didn't think he would hurt anyone else.
The US government is now looking into how he was able to do this and if anyone helped him.
The Biden administration has been accused of poor vetting, while the Trump administration granted Lakanwal asylum.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan immigrant, shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one and critically wounding another.
Authorities believe Lakanwal was radicalised in the US, possibly through connections in his community and family.
Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in 2024 under the Trump administration.
Lakanwal struggled with isolation, joblessness, and erratic behavior, raising concerns among his community and family.
The US government is reviewing asylum cases and considering deportations in response to the attack, with the Biden administration pausing visa issuance for Afghan passport holders.
- Who
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan immigrant
- What
- Shot two National Guard members, killing one and critically wounding another
- When
- Wednesday, November 22, 2023
- Where
- Washington, DC, near the White House
- Why
- Believed to have been radicalised in the US, with possible connections to his community and family
Biden Administration
Trump Administration
Vetting Process
Biden Administration
Accused of poor vetting of Afghans and foreign nationals during mass evacuations.
Trump Administration
Lakanwal was granted asylum under the Trump administration, suggesting a different perspective on the vetting process.
Radicalisation
Biden Administration
Noem blamed the Biden administration for the radicalisation of Lakanwal, despite his asylum being approved under Trump.
Trump Administration
Trump administration's approval of Lakanwal's asylum could be seen as a counterpoint to the blame placed on the Biden administration.
- Suspect
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29
- Victims
- Sarah Beckstrom (killed), Andrew Wolfe (wounded)
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Date
- Wednesday, November 22, 2023
- Radicalisation
- Believed to have occurred in the US
- Asylum Status
- Granted under Trump administration
- Entry to US
- 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome
- Previous Occupation
- CIA-backed Afghan Army unit
Sources
Afghan Man Behind National Guard Attack Struggled With Isolation For Years
Afghan Who Shot National Guard Members Radicalised In US: Homeland Security
National Guard shooting suspect radicalized in US, homeland secretary says
Trump: US Freeze on Asylum Decisions will Last 'a Long Time'
Rahmanullah Lakanwal ‘radicalised’ in US? What Kristi Noem said about National Guard shooting suspect
'Positive news': One of US National Guards shot near White House shows improvement; condition remains critical
