Suspect in D.C. National Guard shooting identified as 29-year-old Afghan national. Here’s what we know.
November 26, 2025 / 9:49 PM EST / CBS News
In a brazen and shocking incident just blocks away from the nation’s capital, a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been identified as the suspected perpetrator in an ambush attack that left two National Guard troops critically wounded on Wednesday. Multiple law enforcement sources have confirmed Lakanwal’s identity to CBS News, shedding initial light on a case that has immediately ignited fierce debate over national security, immigration policies, and the safety of military personnel deployed domestically.
The incident unfolded with terrifying speed and brutality. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was ultimately subdued and shot by another vigilant Guard member during the chaotic scene, subsequently taken into custody, and is currently hospitalized for his injuries. As the investigation rapidly progresses, officials are piecing together the timeline of events and Lakanwal’s background, though a complete picture remains elusive. This story will be updated continuously as additional, confirmed information becomes available.
Suspect Entered U.S. Four Years Ago Amidst Afghanistan Withdrawal
Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s entry into the United States dates back to 2021, a pivotal year marked by the tumultuous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan and the swift takeover by the Taliban. According to multiple law enforcement sources, Lakanwal was paroled into the U.S. on September 8, 2021. This entry occurred under a specific Biden-era initiative known as Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to facilitate the rapid resettlement of Afghan nationals deemed at risk following the collapse of the Afghan government.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem took to social media platform X to confirm Lakanwal’s parole status, drawing immediate attention to the broader implications of the program. Her statement was quickly followed by commentary from President Trump, who, in a video message late Wednesday, characterized the suspect as "a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on Earth," further adding that the suspect’s status was extended "under legislation signed by President Biden." These statements underscore the highly politicized nature of immigration and security, particularly as the nation heads into an election cycle.
The period surrounding the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal saw thousands of Afghan nationals seeking refuge and new beginnings in the United States. Many were granted Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), a pathway reserved for Afghans who provided critical assistance to the U.S. military and government during the two-decade-long conflict. Others, like Lakanwal, were granted a temporary humanitarian status known as parole, which allows individuals to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, often without a direct pathway to permanent residency. This parole status was intended to provide a safe haven, though its temporary nature often left recipients in a state of uncertainty regarding their long-term future in the U.S.
Beyond these pathways, more than 8,000 individuals from Afghanistan also benefited from Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a designation offering deportation relief to nationals of certain countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. While President Biden had extended TPS for Afghans in 2023, former President Trump had chosen to terminate this program earlier this year, adding another layer of complexity and precarity for many Afghan residents in the U.S. The current immigration status of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, beyond his initial parole, remains unclear and is a critical point of investigation for authorities.
Suspect Uncooperative as Investigation Intensifies
Following his apprehension at the scene, Rahmanullah Lakanwal was taken into custody by a joint effort of National Guard members and officers from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the D.C. MPD, confirmed these details to reporters earlier on Wednesday. However, a significant hurdle in the unfolding investigation is Lakanwal’s reported lack of cooperation. Law enforcement sources indicate that the suspect has, thus far, refused to engage with authorities, making the process of understanding his motive, affiliations, and state of mind considerably more challenging. Investigators will likely resort to forensic evidence, digital footprints, and interviews with any potential associates to build a comprehensive case. The immediate priority for federal and local agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service given the proximity to the White House, is to determine if Lakanwal acted alone or if there were any co-conspirators or external influences.
"Lone Gunman" Ambush: A Detailed Account of the Attack
Executive Assistant Chief Carroll described the incident as the work of "a lone gunman that raised the firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard" as they conducted routine patrols near a mass transit station in downtown D.C. Further details, gleaned from multiple sources familiar with the investigation, paint a harrowing picture of the attack.
The assailant, Lakanwal, reportedly began the assault with a handgun loaded with four rounds. The first victim, a female Guard member, was struck almost immediately, collapsing where she stood. Sources indicate she sustained at least two gunshot wounds during the initial volley. In a shocking escalation of violence, the suspect then disarmed the injured Guard member, taking her weapon, and proceeded to use it to continue his assault, striking a second Guard member. The quick thinking and decisive action of a third, uninjured Guard member proved critical; this individual returned fire, effectively ending the attack and neutralizing the threat.
Both wounded Guard members, hailing from the West Virginia National Guard, are currently listed in critical condition. Their injuries are severe, requiring intensive medical care, and their long-term prognosis is being closely monitored. FBI Director Kash Patel, in a statement, underscored the gravity of their condition and pledged full federal resources to the investigation.
The Guard members were on "high visibility patrols," a routine assignment that is part of a monthslong deployment of National Guard troops from D.C. and several states, originally ordered by President Trump. These deployments are often designed to provide additional security, respond to civil unrest, or support federal agencies in maintaining order in the nation’s capital. This particular incident, however, represents a direct and unprovoked attack on uniformed personnel, raising significant security concerns for both military members and the general public in D.C.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The attack on the National Guard troops in Washington D.C. is more than an isolated criminal act; it is a profound event with wide-ranging implications. For the affected service members and their families, it is a personal tragedy and a testament to the risks inherent in their duty, even on domestic soil. The West Virginia National Guard has issued statements expressing solidarity with their injured members and their families, promising full support throughout their recovery.
For law enforcement, the investigation into Rahmanullah Lakanwal will delve deep into his four years in the U.S., seeking to uncover any potential radicalization, mental health issues, or connections to extremist ideologies. The challenges posed by an uncooperative suspect mean investigators will rely heavily on digital forensics, surveillance footage, and any records pertaining to his time in the country. Potential charges could range from attempted murder of federal officers to aggravated assault and weapons violations.
Politically, the incident is poised to intensify the already heated national debate on immigration policy, refugee vetting processes, and border security. Calls for stricter controls and re-evaluations of humanitarian parole programs are expected to grow, particularly from conservative lawmakers and figures. The incident is likely to be a recurring talking point in the lead-up to the next presidential election, shaping narratives around national security and the efficacy of current immigration frameworks.
The D.C. community, accustomed to a high level of security around its federal institutions, is also grappling with the shock of such a violent event so close to the White House. Authorities are working to reassure the public that the threat has been contained and that security measures remain robust. However, the ambush serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of threats, even in the most protected urban environments.
As the two Guard members fight for their lives, and as investigators tirelessly work to uncover the full truth behind Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s actions, the nation watches, awaiting answers and hoping for the swift recovery of those who serve to protect. The coming days and weeks will undoubtedly bring more details to light, but the questions raised by this audacious attack will resonate for a long time to come.
