A shocking incident unfolded near the White House on Wednesday afternoon when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national and former soldier who served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, allegedly opened fire on two National Guard soldiers. The attack, described by former President Donald Trump as an “act of evil, hatred, and terror,” has reignited debates over immigration vetting and the militarization of U.S. cities. Lakanwal, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, was granted asylum in 2025. The suspect was shot and hospitalized after the attack, while the two wounded soldiers remain in critical condition. The incident has prompted immediate suspension of all Afghan immigration applications and increased National Guard deployments in Washington. Critics argue the event should not overshadow the broader Afghan refugee community, which undergoes rigorous vetting processes.
National Guard shooting suspect served alongside US army in Afghanistan: US media
