Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was identified as the shooter in a recent incident involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. Lakanwal had previously served in the National Directorate of Security, specifically in the NDS-03 unit, known for its counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan.
CIA Support for Counterterrorism Unit
According to AfghanEvac, a nonprofit organization comprised of U.S. veterans, Lakanwal’s unit operated under CIA direction, combating the Taliban with U.S. intelligence and military support. Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under humanitarian parole following the evacuation efforts that took place after the fall of Kabul.
Vetting Process and Immigration Status
- Arrived in the U.S. in August 2021.
- Applied for asylum in the Biden administration.
- Granted asylum in April 2025 during the Trump administration.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that Lakanwal’s connections with U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan would be a primary area of investigation. Patel expressed concerns about the sufficiency of the vetting process, suggesting there may have been lapses that allowed Lakanwal into the U.S.
Special Immigrant Visa Application
Lakanwal had an active special immigrant visa (SIV) application, a program designed for individuals who supported U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Although he had received the necessary chief of mission approval, he had not yet been granted a green card, which would grant him permanent residency.
Community Perspective and Future Investigations
AfghanEvac founder Shawn VanDiver indicated that while it is essential to assess the situation, care must be taken not to generalize negative acts to the entire Afghan community in the U.S. He noted that those who have immigrated largely contribute positively to society and undergo rigorous vetting processes.
- Vetting includes background checks, biometric assessments, and in-person interviews.
- Asylum recipients can apply for a green card after one year.
In a public statement, AfghanEvac reiterated that this violent act does not represent the Afghan community’s values, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to integrate as productive members of American society.
