Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal? Afghan Migrant Who Shot US National Guards In Targeted Attack

Last Updated:November 27, 2025, 08:32 IST

Washington D.C. Shooting: An Afghan national who entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome has been identified as the suspect in the Guard shooting.

Guard Shooting: Suspect Is Afghan Migrant Who Overstayed US Visa

The suspect in Washington, D.C. Guard shooting has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. 

According to a Justice Department official, the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

A CNN report said, Lakanwal overstayed his visa and was in the country illegally at the time of the attack. His immigration status and the circumstances of his arrival have already become a focal point of political debate in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

🇺🇸🇦🇫 BREAKING: Guard shooter identified as Afghan illegal, Rahmanullah Lakanwal.He entered the country under Biden's "Operation Allies Welcome" and overstayed his visa. https://t.co/TuEIdd6JBz pic.twitter.com/8um0G7F2MK— VoxPopuli (@vpopulimedia) November 27, 2025

Lakanwal was reportedly resettled in Bellingham, Washington after arriving as part of the federal programme established by the Biden administration following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Authorities believe he acted alone, and as yet, no motive has been identified.

What we know about the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal?

Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s arrival in the US under Operation Allies Welcome has become a central point of scrutiny. The federal resettlement programme was created to support Afghan allies and evacuees following the Taliban takeover. Reports suggest Lakanwal overstayed his visa after entering the country and was living unlawfully in the United States.

Law enforcement sources told the newspaper that Lakanwal had waited near the Farragut West Metro Station before launching the attack at around 2:15 pm local time. He allegedly rounded the corner and opened fire at close range, first striking a female Guard member in the chest and then shooting her in the head. He then reportedly turned his weapon on the second guard, firing multiple rounds until a third guard stationed nearby intervened and brought him down.

Authorities said the two guardsmen were on routine patrol in the area when the gunfire erupted. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.

US media reports say Lakanwal had been living in Washington state since arriving in the country. NBC reported that the FBI is examining the incident as a possible act of terrorism, though officials have not confirmed a motive. Police believe he acted alone.

Lakanwal was shot four times during the confrontation with the third guard. Witnesses said he was taken away almost unclothed as emergency responders worked to stabilise him before transporting him to hospital. Investigators continue to review his background as they work to understand what led to the attack.

Investigators are now examining his movements, connections, and personal history in an attempt to understand whether the attack was spontaneous or planned.

How the DC shooting unfolded?

The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon (US time) near the White House, where armed Guard soldiers were patrolling the area as part of regular security measures. According to law enforcement officials, Lakanwal opened fire without warning, hitting two Guard members.

A third guardsman stationed nearby intervened swiftly and managed to subdue the suspect. During the confrontation, Lakanwal sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was stabilised at the scene before being transported to hospital. Witnesses reported that emergency teams removed him from the scene with little clothing as they worked urgently to treat his injuries.

The two injured Guard members were also rushed to hospital and remain in critical condition. Their identities have not yet been released.

Meanwhile, a photograph circulating widely on social media shows a man lying on the ground unclothed, with claims that it depicts the DC shooter. However, officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the image, nor have they released any official photograph of Lakanwal.

Authorities have emphasised that the public should avoid sharing unverified images and information while the investigation is ongoing.

Investigation underway

With the suspect hospitalised and the two Guard members critically injured, authorities continue to investigate the motive, background, and circumstances of the attack. Officials are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available, while security remains tightened in the nation’s capital.

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