Afghan National With Prior CIA Work Named as Suspect in DC National Guard Shooting

A man identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA, is the suspect in a shooting outside the White House that killed one West Virginia National Guard member and left another critically injured. The shooting happened the day before Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C.

Authorities say Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 under the program implemented after theU.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He was granted asylum earlier this year after applying in 2024. The suspect was wounded during the incident and taken to a hospital, where he remains under guard.

Officials said Lakanwal previously worked in Afghanistan with the CIA as part of a partner force, and had undergone vetting before being allowed entry. The U.S. Army soldier killed in the attack was Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who had served more than two years. Another Guard member, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.

Investigators described the shooting as “ambush-style,” saying the gunman drove from Washington state to the capital with the intent to carry out the attack. He fired a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver at the off-duty Guard members while they were on patrol near a tourist-heavy area close to the White House. He was subdued by fellow Guard members and arrested at the scene.

U.S. prosecutors have since upgraded the charges. The suspect will face first-degree murder charges for Beckstrom’s death, plus additional counts for assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The government said it will also evaluate possible terrorism charges.

In response, the administration has called for a sweeping review of asylum applications for Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. under the program — citing the shooting as evidence of security risks. Immigration authorities announced a pause on processing certain Afghan immigration cases while they examine vetting procedures.

The tragedy has sparked debate over balancing national security and humanitarian obligations as lawmakers weigh future immigration policy and foreign-affairs responsibilities.

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