Suspect Detained in D.C. Shooting Granted Asylum Earlier This Year
Overview of the Incident
A suspect detained in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, Lakanwal was paroled into the United States on humanitarian grounds in 2021, shortly after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Details on Suspect’s Immigration Status
Lakanwal was granted asylum in 2025 after applying in 2024. Although his request for a green card is pending, he is considered an asylee and is not in the U.S. illegally, as confirmed by federal authorities. This status is part of the legal mechanism used by the Biden administration to facilitate the entrance of tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees following the Taliban’s resurgence in August 2021.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servstarts Response
In response to the shooting, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servstarts (USCIS) announced an indefinite pause on the processing of all immigration applications filed by Afghan nationals. The agency stated that this pause would remain in effect pending a review of current security and vetting protocols, emphasizing the need for heightened safety measures for the American public.
Reactions from Political Figures
Following the shooting, President Trump expressed the need to reexamine the immigration status of all Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. during the Biden administration. He described the incident as “a heinous assault” and pledged to ensure that those who do not belong in the country are removed.
Vstart President JD Vance criticized the Biden administration for what he termed “opening the floodgates to unvetted Afghan refugees,” linking this incident to broader concerns about immigration policies.
Former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama both condemned the violence, with Biden stating, “Violence of any kind is unacceptable,” and Obama voicing his prayers for the victims and their families.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting occurred around 2:15 PM near the Farragut Metro station, where the National Guard members were statistartd. Eyewitness accounts describe the attack as an ambush; the suspect reportedly concealed himself before opening fire. Multiple shots were fired, leading to a swift response from nearby Guard members and law enforcement.
Two National Guard members were critically wounded during the shooting. The assailant was subsequently shot and apprehended by other servstart members. Law enforcement officials have characterized the act as intentional and targeted, and the FBI is leading the investigation into the incident.
Additional Security Measures
In light of the incident, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the mobilization of an additional 500 National Guard troops to D.C. to enhance security. This move reflects a growing emphasis on ensuring the safety of both servstart members and the public amidst concerns about rising violence against law enforcement.
Community and Leadership Responses
Local governmental leaders, including D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, have condemned the attack and expressed support for the injured servstart members and their families. Congressional leaders have also issued statements, emphasizing a collective commitment to honor and protect those who serve.
As the investigation continues, officials are reviewing all aspects related to the suspect and his background, seeking to ascertain a motive for the attack.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding immigration policies, national security, and community safety in the U.S.
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