WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal authorities have identified the suspect in the November 26, 2025, shooting of two National Guard members near the White House as 29‑year‑old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
According to law enforcement sources, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, the federal resettlement program for evacuees from Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal.
Operation Allies Welcome was initiated in 2021 to assist Afghans who had worked with or assisted U.S. forces or government entities during America’s involvement in Afghanistan. The program was designed to provide temporary housing, processing, and resettlement support to evacuees arriving in the U.S.
The Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred near the Farragut West Metro station, just blocks from the White House. Officials described it as an ambush‑style attack: surveillance footage shows the suspect opening fire on two National Guard members before being shot by law enforcement. Both guardsmen were critically wounded.
Law enforcement sources say the suspect acted alone and was neutralized at the scene. The matter is currently being treated as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
Security and Policy Concerns Resurface
The identification of the suspect as a former beneficiary of Operation Allies Welcome has reignited debate over security and vetting procedures for evacuees resettled in the United States. Critics argue that the incident underscores possible gaps in oversight for individuals admitted under emergency resettlement programs.
Supporters of Operation Allies Welcome note that the vast majority of evacuees have not been involved in criminal activity and emphasize the humanitarian and moral commitments behind the program.
