Just blocks from the White House, a shocking act of violence has left two brave National Guard members fighting for their lives.
On Wednesday, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, allegedly opened fire on two West Virginia National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., in what authorities are calling a targeted attack now under investigation as a possible act of international terrorism by a man who once worked in collaboration with the CIA, as Fox News reports.
Lakanwal’s journey to this moment began years ago in Afghanistan, where he worked with American government entities, including the CIA, as part of a partner force in Kandahar.
Following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, Lakanwal was brought to the United States in September of that year under the Biden administration’s "Operation Allies Welcome" program.
His prior collaboration with U.S. agencies was cited as justification for his resettlement here, a decision now under intense scrutiny given the gravity of the recent shooting.
Critics argue this highlights a broader failure in vetting processes for those entering under such programs, raising questions about whether national security was adequately prioritized over humanitarian gestures.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight, with Lakanwal allegedly zeroing in on the two Guardsmen in a deliberate ambush, leaving them in critical condition at a local hospital.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the nature of the assault, stating, "This is a targeted shooting. One individual appeared to target these guardsmen."
Her words underscore the chilling precision of the attack, a stark reminder that even in the heart of the nation’s capital, our service members face grave dangers—not just from abroad, but potentially from those once considered allies.
The FBI has taken the lead on the investigation, exploring whether this shooting constitutes an act of international terrorism, according to high-level intelligence sources.
Lakanwal has been taken into custody, but the motives behind his alleged actions remain unclear, leaving a nation on edge as answers are sought.
President Donald Trump weighed in with raw emotion, declaring, "Heinous assault... an act of evil and act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation."
Trump’s statement captures the anger and grief felt by many Americans, who see this as not just an attack on two soldiers but a breach of trust stemming from flawed policy decisions.
The fact that Lakanwal once worked alongside U.S. forces only deepens the sense of betrayal -- how could someone given such access turn against those who once stood shoulder to shoulder with him?
As the investigation unfolds, there’s a growing chorus demanding accountability for the policies that allowed this suspect into the country, with many conservatives pointing to the rushed Afghanistan withdrawal as the root of ongoing security risks.
