Accused Afghan Evacuee Charged After Washington National Guard Shooting — Critic Calls Vetting an "Emblematic Failure"

Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged with four counts, including murder, in the Nov. 26 shootings of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.; one victim, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized and Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died. Commentator Kash Patel called the case an "emblematic failure" of post‑withdrawal vetting and said investigators are conducting a broad terrorism probe, seizing devices and interviewing numerous associates. Officials continue to investigate potential radicalization and advocates have said warning signs emerged months earlier.

02:25 PM, 12/03/2025Security

Accused Afghan Evacuee Charged After Washington National Guard Shooting — Critic Calls Vetting an "Emblematic Failure"

An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been formally charged with four counts, including murder, in connection with the Nov. 26 shooting that wounded and killed two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.

Charges and victims

The Justice Department says Lakanwal is being treated in a hospital and is being held under guard. A D.C. Superior Court judge ordered that he remain in custody without bond.

One of the victims, 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized. A fellow West Virginia National Guard soldier, 20-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, died of her injuries.

Criticism of post‑withdrawal vetting

Speaking on a national television program, commentator Kash Patel characterized the case as highlighting an "emblematic failure" of how evacuees from Afghanistan were vetted following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. Patel said advocates had warned months earlier that the suspect was "not functional as a person."

Supporting concerns about initial screening processes, a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General report from Sept. 6, 2022, found that U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not always have the critical data needed to properly screen, vet, or inspect some evacuees.

Investigation under way

"This is a sprawling international terrorism investigation that the FBI is leading," Patel said. "We are not going to leave any stone unturned."

He said investigators have issued multiple legal processes, seized electronic devices, searched residences and interviewed numerous individuals connected to the suspect. Authorities continue to investigate whether and where Lakanwal may have been radicalized.

Calls for changes to vetting

Meanwhile, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem—who has been a vocal critic of federal immigration policy—called for an overhaul of vetting procedures for migrants and evacuees, proposing measures such as cross-referencing biometric data and criminal histories, expanding social media screening, and requiring periodic check-ins. Those proposals reflect political responses and suggestions rather than an implemented federal policy.

Other issues raised

During the same interview segment, the commentator also addressed questions about the release of documents related to a separate high‑profile investigation, stating that roughly 40,000 pages have been provided to Congress and that authorities are working with courts to disclose material lawfully.

The investigation into the Washington shooting remains active. Officials say they will continue to gather evidence and interview anyone connected to the suspect as the case moves through the justice system.