US Official Claims National Guard Suspect Radicalised on American Soil
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has asserted that the individual accused of shooting two National Guard troops in Washington DC underwent radicalisation after entering the United States. During a television appearance on Sunday, Noem stated that authorities believe Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, adopted his extremist ideology while residing in Washington.
Details of the Attack and Political Fallout
The incident occurred on Wednesday near the White House, where Lakanwal allegedly opened fire with a .357 revolver. The attack claimed the life of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and left 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe in critical condition. Secretary Noem used this tragic event to reinforce former President Donald Trump's longstanding criticism of the Biden administration's handling of Afghan evacuations.
Noem specifically pointed to Operation Allies Welcome in September 2021, through which Lakanwal entered the country. She claimed the vetting process was inadequate, stating to ABC News: "He was brought into the country by the Biden administration through Operation Allies Welcome. And then, maybe vetted after that, but not done well."
Complex Immigration History and Aftermath
Investigators revealed that Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington to commit the attack. His background includes service with a CIA-backed 'Zero Unit' alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan. Despite this history, his temporary visa eventually lapsed, and he applied for asylum in 2024.
In a significant policy response, President Trump announced a pause on asylum and green card applications for an undisclosed period, describing it as potentially a "long time." He further revealed his administration is considering deporting the suspect's family, including at least five children, calling the situation "tragic."
The shooting has intensified the debate around US immigration policy, with Noem vowing to thoroughly review every pending asylum case and potentially deport applicants where warranted. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwal's prior connections to US intelligence but joined in criticising the evacuation process that brought him to American soil.
