An Afghan national with previous ties to a CIA-backed unit has been identified as the suspect in a shocking ambush-style shooting that left two National Guard soldiers fighting for their lives in Washington DC.
The Thanksgiving Eve Ambush
The attack occurred on Wednesday evening, just blocks from the White House, when a lone gunman opened fire without provocation on two military personnel. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as an "ambush style" attack, with the suspect armed with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.
The two wounded soldiers have been identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. Both underwent emergency surgery following the shooting and remain in critical condition according to official statements.
Suspect's Background and CIA Connections
The alleged gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has connections to American intelligence operations in Afghanistan. CIA director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had worked with "the US government, including CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar" during the US-led war in the country.
Lakanwal was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with responding security forces before being taken into custody. This marks the first time his identity and photograph have been released to the public.
Political Fallout and Security Review
US President Donald Trump, who was at his Florida resort during the attack, released a video statement condemning the shooting as "an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror." The administration has announced it will re-examine all Afghans who arrived in the US during Joe Biden's presidency.
In response to the security breach, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services agency has halted processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals indefinitely. The pause will remain in effect while authorities conduct a comprehensive review of security and vetting protocols.
Attorney General Bondi confirmed that federal prosecutors plan to bring terrorism charges against Lakanwal and will seek a sentence of life in prison "at a minimum" for the attack that has raised serious questions about vetting procedures for foreign nationals with US government connections.
