Recent findings suggest that the home of the Washington, D.C., National Guard shooter lacked basic furnishings, notably a bed, but the suspect was known to frequently play video games like Call of Duty.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Thursday that a search warrant was carried out at the suspect’s last known address in Washington state.
“A search warrant was executed at that residence late last night or early this morning, and the investigation is still ongoing,” Patel stated. “We have interviewed all individuals found at the location, and some interviews are continuing. We won’t stop until we’ve spoken with everyone connected to the suspect, the home, and all aspects of his life.”
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, mentioned that Rahmanullah Rakanwal, an Afghan national who came to the U.S. via Operation Welcome Allies under former President Joe Biden, was living with his wife and their five children, the oldest being 14 years old. Rakanwal reportedly traveled across the country to execute the attack, which resulted in the death of one security guard, identified as Sara Beckström, while another guard, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
Neighbors have expressed shock after the attack at Rakanwal’s $2,000-a-month apartment, which was said to lack a bed. A neighbor commented that the family generally maintained a low profile.
Rahmanullah Rakanwal, 29, was often seen playing video games like Call of Duty and FIFA in the stark apartment he shared with his wife, who wears a hijab, and their five children, according to neighbors. This surprised many who were aware of his situation.
Locals noted that the family, who arrived as refugees in 2021 amid the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, had no beds, relying instead on “a few sofa cushions to sleep on” in their bare apartment.
One resident reflected on the attack, saying, “They removed everyone from the apartment, but I don’t believe the kids were there. It’s really shocking. Everything seems to point towards him being the shooter, but some things just don’t quite add up.”
“What struck us was that law enforcement took about 16 or 17 hours to respond after the incident. It’s hard to understand his motivations, how he might have snapped,” the resident added.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated on Wednesday that Rakanwal had previously worked with the CIA in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
In another development, President Donald Trump announced that only “reverse immigration” could address current issues, highlighting that the Census estimates the U.S. has 53 million foreign nationals, most of whom rely on welfare from troubled countries.
He said, “They and their families receive substantial support from American citizens who are dedicated. They endure what’s happening in our country without making a fuss. But it’s really taking a toll!” He proposed measures to permanently halt immigration from struggling nations, end all illegal entries, denaturalize immigrants who disrupt domestic peace, and deport anyone posing a security threat.
