A Shooting in Washington: What We Know So Far

A man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D. C. , was likely influenced by extremist ideas after moving to the United States. This is what officials think happened to Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant. He was living in Washington state when he allegedly became radicalized. The shooting happened near the White House on a Wednesday. One National Guard member died, and another was badly hurt. Lakanwal came to the U. S. in 2021 as part of a large evacuation of Afghans who had helped U. S. forces during the war in Afghanistan. He was granted asylum in April 2024. Lakanwal was part of a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan. Officials believe he may have turned to extremism after arriving in the U. S. They are still talking to his family and friends to learn more. The Trump administration has since tightened some immigration rules. This includes pausing the processing of asylum applications. Officials are also looking at deporting people with pending asylum cases if needed. The U. S. is serious about finding out more about this attack. They are warning anyone with information to come forward or face consequences.