Targeted Shooting in Washington, D.C., Involves Afghan National
Recent reports have identified a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Rakanwar, as the suspect in a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Washington, D.C. This attack left two West Virginia National Guard soldiers critically injured.
Rakanwar entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of an emergency evacuation program initiated by the Biden administration following the withdrawal from Kabul. This program, called Operation Welcoming Allies, aimed to airlift Afghan personnel at risk, resulting in over 126,000 evacuations, with around 80,000 ultimately resettling in the U.S. Most of them, including Rakanwar, were granted temporary humanitarian parole instead of permanent visas, although some received Special Immigrant Visas due to their service with the U.S. military. Critics have pointed out that the expedited nature of the process led to concerns about inadequate background checks.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that Rakanwar opened fire on the uniformed soldiers near the Farragut West subway station, not far from the White House, around 2:15 p.m. ET. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots and observing a man approach the Guardsmen before shooting them at close range.
In an unexpected turn, a third, unarmed Guardsman intervened, reportedly stabbing Rakanwar with a pocketknife, and this action possibly prevented further violence until the police and Secret Service arrived and apprehended him. The two injured soldiers were immediately taken to the hospital due to gunshot wounds and remain in critical condition.
Initial statements from West Virginia’s Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey indicated that a Guardsman and a woman had been killed; however, he later clarified that the soldiers are “fighting for their lives.”
Witnesses mentioned that Rakanwar shouted “Allah Akbar” during the attack, prompting the FBI to consider the incident as a potential act of terrorism. However, authorities cautioned that the investigation is still in the early stages, and no conclusion about the suspect’s motives has been reached yet.
Rakanwar, who was also injured during the altercation, is under guard at a local hospital. Federal charges are anticipated once he receives a medical evaluation.
This incident has reignited discussions surrounding the vetting of Afghan refugees who entered the U.S. in 2021. The FBI is leading the investigation, in cooperation with D.C. police and federal agencies. Officials indicated that Rakanwar appeared to act alone, and there are no known active threats at this moment.
The identities of the injured Guardsmen have not been disclosed pending family notification. The soldier who subdued Rakanwar is being hailed as a hero by his peers.
This story is still developing, and updates will follow as new information becomes available.
