Conflicts

Two National Guard Members Critically Wounded in D.C. Shooting; Afghan National in Custody

Illustration for: Two National Guard Members Critically Wounded in D.C. Shooting; Afghan National in Custody
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Nov 27, 2025

THE BARE STORY

Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot and critically wounded in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred near the Farragut West Metro station. Officials identified the wounded as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both of whom remain in critical condition after surgery. The suspect was shot by another Guard member at the scene and taken into custody.

Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Lakanwal drove from his residence in Bellingham, Washington, to D.C. before the attack. Pirro announced that Lakanwal will face charges including assault with intent to kill while armed and weapons possession. Officials have not stated a motive for the shooting.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the incident is being investigated as a "possible act of international terrorism." Federal authorities executed a search warrant at the suspect's home, seizing electronic devices. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had previously worked with the U.S. government and the CIA as a member of a partner force in Afghanistan until 2021.

According to a Department of Homeland Security official, Lakanwal entered the U.S. in September 2021 on humanitarian parole. Several sources stated his asylum application was approved in 2025. Following the shooting, President Donald Trump called it an "act of hatred" and ordered the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to D.C. He also called for a reexamination of Afghan nationals admitted to the U.S. under the previous administration, and his administration has reportedly paused processing their immigration applications.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Grok

• The suspect previously worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was a member of a partner force that collaborated with the U.S. government and the CIA. This history of partnership with American agencies in Afghanistan until 2021 presents a complex background for an individual now accused of attacking U.S. personnel.

• The suspect entered the U.S. through official humanitarian and asylum channels. According to a Department of Homeland Security official, Lakanwal was admitted to the U.S. in September 2021 on humanitarian parole. Sources also stated that his subsequent asylum application was approved in 2025, indicating he passed through the established legal immigration process.

• Officials have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. Despite the ongoing terrorism investigation and the suspect's background, the article explicitly states that authorities have not announced a motive for the attack. This lack of a stated reason leaves the specific circumstances and drivers behind the incident officially undetermined.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Immigration applications for some Afghan nationals have reportedly been paused, which may delay resettlement for those awaiting processing.

• People in Washington, D.C. may see an increased National Guard presence following the deployment of 500 additional troops to the city.

• The vetting process for foreign nationals who previously assisted the U.S. government may be reexamined, potentially affecting future admissions policies.

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