Washington: In the wake of the grisly ambush near United States National Guard troops on patrol just blocks from the White House, authorities have identified the man in custody as a 29-year-old Afghan national — Rahmanullah Lakanwal. The attack, which left two guardsmen critically wounded, occurred on November 26, 2025, outside the Farragut West metro station in downtown Washington, D.C.
Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?
According to reports, Lakanwal arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021 under the resettlement programme initiated in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul.
He was reportedly living in the state of Washington — the city of Bellingham — before the shooting.
On the afternoon of November 26, he is said to have pulled up beside a group of National Guard soldiers on patrol near 17th and I Streets NW, raised a handgun, and opened fire. The assault appeared sudden and unprovoked, described by law enforcement as a “targeted attack.”
After firing at two guardsmen, Lakanwal was quickly engaged by other troops and was himself wounded. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Motive, background — what we know and what’s still a mystery
Investigators have termed the incident a possible “act of terror.” However — despite public suspicion — no clear motive has yet been established. Lakanwal was reportedly apprehended without any visible identification, and he is currently not cooperating with investigators.
Even his background details remain under verification. While immigration records show he entered the U.S. under a mass-resettlement programme for Afghans, it is unclear if Lakanwal had any prior criminal record or was previously flagged by security agencies.
Fallout — security, immigration, and political tempers flare
The incident has already triggered significant consequences:
The White House and nearby federal buildings were immediately locked down.
The case has reignited debate over the vetting standards applied to Afghans admitted under the 2021 resettlement — with calls from some quarters for stricter scrutiny of all those who arrived under that programme.
For now, the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities are racing to determine whether Lakanwal acted alone — and more importantly, why.
