The Department of Homeland Security has identified the suspect in the Washington D.C. National Guard shooting as 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who settled in Washington State under a Joe Biden-era program.
RELATED: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Drags ‘Son Of A B*Tch’ Donald Trump For Sending National Guard To LA Amid ICE Raids & Protests, Talks ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ Martial Law, Plus More
The shooting, which has been described as an ambush attack, occurred earlier today, Wednesday (November 26). The suspect was shot by another National Guard member and taken into custody. Officials said he was transported to the hospital upon arrest.
Police say the suspect was a “lone gunman” who “ambushed” the National Guard just steps away from the White House. The incident left two members, from the West Virginia National Guard, in critical condition.
A source told CBS News that the first victim is a female Guard member who was struck immediately and collapsed where she stood. She sustained at least two gunshot wounds. The suspect then reportedly took the female Guard’s weapon and struck a second Guard member. A third Guard member, who was not injured, shortly returned fire, striking the shooter, and ending the ambush.
RELATED: Illinois Sues President Trump Over National Guard Deployment
More On National Guard Shooting Suspect And Afghan National Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29
According to CBS News, Lakanwal entered the United Staes in the Summer of 2021. According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the suspect was paroled in the country on September 8, 2021, under a Joe Biden-era program for Afghan nationals, called “Operation Allies Welcome.”
Under the program, thousands of Afghan nationals entered the country. The move arrived as the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban regained control of the country. Several Afghan nationals who worked with the military during the 20-year war received special immigrant visas. Others received a temporary humanitarian status, known as parole.
It’s also reported that officials granted more than 8,000 people from Afghanistan relief under a separate program, dubbed “Temporary Protected Status.” In 2023, Biden extended the program, however, Trump ended it earlier this year as he took office for a second term. Subsequently, Lakanwal’s current immigration status is unclear.
Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem Speaks On National Guard Shooting Suspect And USCIS Indefinitely Suspends Immigration Request From Afghan Nationals
Taking to X, she wrote:
“The suspect who shot our brave National Guardsmen is an Afghan national who was one of the many unvetted, mass paroled into the United States under Operation Allies Welcome on September 8, 2021, under the Biden Administration.
I will not utter this depraved individual’s name. He should be starved of the glory he so desperately wants.
These men and women of the National Guard are mothers, fathers, sisters, daughters, children of God, carrying out the same basic public safety and immigration laws enshrined in law for decades.
The politicians and media who continue to vilify our men and women in uniform need to take a long hard look in the mirror.Bryon and I will be praying hard for these two National Guardsmen, their families, and every American who puts on uniform to defend our freedom.”
Noem also reposted a statement from the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) that read:
“Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission.”
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!
