Suspect in National Guard shooting served alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan, relative says
Former Afghan Soldier's Dark Transition: From Ally to Suspect in D.C. Shooting
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who once served alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan, now finds himself at the center of a shocking crime in Washington, D.C., leaving two National Guard members critically injured.
The Breaking Point
On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday afternoon near the White House, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, allegedly opened fire, striking two National Guard members on patrol. Lakanwal, who came to the United States in September 2021, was himself injured in the incident and is currently hospitalized.
Beneath the Surface
Lakanwal's past paints the picture of a dedicated soldier. Having spent a decade in the Afghan army, stationed in perilous environments like Kandahar, he was part of the forces targeted by the Taliban. He relocated to the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, which aimed to resettle Afghans who supported U.S. troops.
The Ripple Effect
The incident has sparked a national dialogue about the vetting processes of Afghan immigrants and the broader impact of their resettlement post-US military withdrawal. As investigations proceed, the community awaits answers, hoping Lakanwal's actions are the exception, not the rule.
"I cannot believe it that he might do this," a relative shared, grappling with disbelief over Lakanwal's alleged actions.
Lakanwal's relative
