Former Afghan Special Forces Commander Arrested After Near-White-House Ambush That Critically Wounded Two National Guardsmen

Summary: A 29-year-old man identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former commander in an elite Afghan security unit, has been arrested after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in a targeted attack. The victims remain in critical condition. Authorities are investigating motive and possible extremist links while reviewing the suspect’s background and immigration history.

Suspect and background

Authorities have identified the man taken into custody after the shooting as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. Photographs released after the incident show Lakanwal wounded during a brief exchange of gunfire before being arrested. Records and interviews indicate he served as a commander in Unit 01, an elite component of the former Afghan government’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) that worked closely with U.S. advisers and partner forces.

According to official accounts and documentation, Lakanwal was evacuated from Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul in 2021 under the U.S. resettlement effort known as Operation Allies Welcome. He arrived in Washington state on September 8, 2021, and was initially sponsored by a local faith-based organization. While his immigration case was pending he worked low-paid jobs; his two-year parole reportedly expired in mid-2024 and he applied for asylum in December 2024, citing fear of Taliban reprisals. After vetting, authorities say he was later granted asylum and a work permit in April of this year.

The attack

Law enforcement says the shooting was a targeted ambush. The two injured National Guard members, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe of the West Virginia National Guard, were reportedly on a high-visibility patrol when a suspect approached and fired at close range. One victim was reportedly struck in the head. Fellow guardsmen and emergency responders provided immediate aid, and other service members at the scene subdued the suspect and took him into custody.

Investigation and motives

Investigators are examining the suspect’s movements and contacts. Officials say Lakanwal allegedly drove across the country from Washington state to Washington, D.C., and an address associated with him has been searched while interviews with residents are ongoing. Authorities are also reviewing whether he had any extremist contacts; the motive for the attack has not been determined.

Neighbors described Lakanwal as increasingly withdrawn in the months before the shooting. Reports indicate some social media accounts linked to him contained anti-Western sentiments before being deleted, but those posts have not been independently verified.

Reactions and wider context

Senior officials condemned the attack and ordered an increased National Guard presence in the capital. Families of the wounded service members and local communities have expressed shock and sorrow. Members of the Afghan-American community reacted with anger and concern: some said the incident risks fueling backlash against refugees and former partners who aided U.S. forces.

Unit 01 and similar NDS strike units operated with significant autonomy during the conflict in Afghanistan and cooperated with U.S. advisers. These units have faced accusations in the past of conducting unauthorised operations; those allegations have been disputed by people associated with the units.

The investigation remains active. Authorities continue to collect evidence, review the suspect’s background and travel, and interview witnesses. No final motive has been announced.

Note: This report summarizes available public information and official statements. Details may change as the investigation progresses.