White House On Lockdown As Two NG Members Shot

[brihard]

As of this morning, I’ve not found an update on the status of the two guardsmen. Really, really hoping no news is good news.

 

[Genetk44]

Per NBC News:

• Suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29
• Served in the Afghan National Army for ten years up until 2021, including alongside U.S. soldiers. (Not sure this matches up unless he joined age 15?)
• Came to the U.S. in 2021. Presumably part of the bailout of Afghans who worked alongside Americans.
• Has a wife and several kids.

Live updates: Shooting of 2 National Guard members to be investigated as possible act of terrorism, sources say

Two National Guard members were shot this afternoon in what appeared to be a "targeted" attack near the White House and are in critical condition, authorities say.

www.nbcnews.com

I read, but have not yet confirmed, that the administration has recently decided to reopen and reexamine a lot of Afghan asylum and/or refugee claims including for those already approved. Maybe a hint to some sort of motive? Or could be he’s just fucked up.

There are some accounts floating around of how it all went down. Nothing I trust enough to repeat. A couple of bystanders national guardsmen might be heroes though.

Read this morning he arrived in the US in 2021 during the pullout from Af. He applied for official asylum status in December 2024….the Asylum vetting process was completed and his status was approved in April 2025.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Per NBC News:

• Suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29
• Served in the Afghan National Army for ten years up until 2021, including alongside U.S. soldiers. (Not sure this matches up unless he joined age 15?)
• Came to the U.S. in 2021. Presumably part of the bailout of Afghans who worked alongside Americans.
• Has a wife and several kids.

Live updates: Shooting of 2 National Guard members to be investigated as possible act of terrorism, sources say

Two National Guard members were shot this afternoon in what appeared to be a "targeted" attack near the White House and are in critical condition, authorities say.

www.nbcnews.com

CIA boss quoted saying in an emailed statement (highlight mine - alternate BBC source) ...

... Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal served as part of a partner force in Kandahar alongside US troops, adding that US authorities had accepted him into the country under the 2021 resettlement programme by the Biden administration.

"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 US government, including CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation” ...

... with the DC prosecutor quoted saying he drove from Washington state:

Shooting suspect drove across country to target National Guard members: Officials

Federal officials revealed more details about the attack that left two National Guard members in critical condition.

abc7ny.com

What to know about suspected gunman in Washington, DC shooting of 2 National Guard members

CIA Director Ratcliffe said Lakanwal worked with CIA and the US government in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S., according to the Associated Press.

abc7.com