WASHINGTON, D.C. — An unprecedented scenario has unfolded in the heart of the U.S. capital: two National Guard soldiers were shot in a daytime ambush near the White House, sending the city into lockdown. But the story behind the suspect is even more shocking — a mysterious immigration record, a history of “disappearing” from government radar, and questions about how he slipped through the cracks.
THE MYSTERIOUS RECORDS OF THE SUSPECT
The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national. He entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome
, a program launched by the Biden administration to resettle Afghans who assisted U.S. forces following the chaotic withdrawal from Kabul. Reuters and CBS News confirm his entry was legal at the time, but that status was short-lived.
Federal sources cited by Reuters and the New York Post report that Lakanwal’s visa expired in September, making him an overstay and technically unlawfully present in the country. Even more concerning, during this period, Lakanwal reportedly
vanished from the government’s monitoring systems, leaving no alerts or red flags. A DHS source described his record as “floating into a void,” raising major questions for security agencies.
Prior to the attack, Lakanwal reportedly lived in Washington state, where neighbors described him as reclusive, keeping to himself, and often active at night, seeming to “avoid attention.” These observations, though unverified, are drawing FBI scrutiny over his possible motives and premeditation.
SHOOTING SHOCKS THE CAPITAL
Shortly after 2 p.m., two National Guard soldiers patrolling downtown Washington were ambushed. Witnesses described a sudden burst of gunfire near 17th & I Street NW
, a busy area just minutes from the White House.
CBS News and The Washington Post report both soldiers were hit and are in critical, life-threatening condition. Their names have not been released. Hospital officials confirmed they are in “extremely serious” condition.
Security forces responded immediately. A brief exchange of gunfire occurred, and Lakanwal was shot but his life is not in danger. The Guardian and Fox 7 Austin report that he is currently under strict supervision and in custody for questioning.
POSSIBLE TERROR MOTIVE
The FBI has confirmed the incident is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism. Reuters and CBS News say counterterrorism units are examining whether the attack was linked to extremist groups, political retaliation, or a lone-wolf act.
So far, officials emphasize no evidence of accomplices has been found, and initial data suggests he acted alone.
SECURITY FAILURES SPARK OUTRAGE
The attack has triggered a political firestorm. Members of Congress are questioning how someone whose visa had expired months earlier could freely live and access one of the most sensitive areas in the U.S.
Critics of the Afghan resettlement program are citing the case as proof of systemic “laxness.” Supporters argue that the vast majority of Afghan evacuees are law-abiding and that the incident highlights the
need for better monitoring, not abandoning humanitarian commitments.
