CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Official: Afghan Suspect in Washington National Guard Shooting Likely Radicalized After Arrival

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said investigators believe 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal was likely radicalized after arriving in the U.S. Lakanwal faces a first-degree murder charge in the Nov. 26 shooting that killed a 20-year-old National Guard member and wounded another. He arrived in 2021 during the Afghan evacuation and reportedly served in a U.S.-supported Afghan partner unit before coming to the U.S. Authorities have paused visa processing for Afghan nationals while the investigation continues.

04:01 AM, 12/01/2025Security
Official: Afghan Suspect in Washington National Guard Shooting Likely Radicalized After Arrival

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday that investigators believe the Afghan man charged in a November 26 shooting that left a 20-year-old National Guard member dead was likely radicalized after entering the United States.

The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who faces a first-degree murder charge in the attack that also left another guard member critically wounded. Authorities say Lakanwal allegedly traveled across the country to carry out the shooting just a few blocks from the White House.

Noem told national interviewers that officials "believe he was radicalized since he's been here in this country" and that investigators suspect his radicalization "was through connections in his home community and state." She said authorities will continue interviews with people who interacted with him, including family members and others who knew him.

According to officials, Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 as part of a large evacuation during the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Before coming to the U.S., he reportedly served in an Afghan "partner force" unit that received U.S. support and fought the Taliban.

The case has reignited scrutiny of vetting processes for evacuees. Noem said the suspect "may have been vetted" after arrival but described the process as inadequate. In response to the attack, authorities have suspended visa processing for Afghan nationals and paused decisions in pending asylum cases while the investigation continues.

Political leaders reacted sharply to the incident. Former President Donald Trump criticized the prior administration's handling of the 2021 evacuation and said officials allowed too many people into the country without sufficient checks. Investigators continue to examine the suspect's motives and associations as the legal case moves forward.

Investigation status: The probe is ongoing; officials are interviewing acquaintances and reviewing the suspect's movements, communications and background to determine motive and any wider connections.

Similar Articles

Trending