BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Afghan national accused of fatally shooting two National Guardsmen was reportedly living what seemed like a quiet family life in a $2,000-a-month apartment in this calm town in Washington until the FBI conducted a raid on his residence on Wednesday, according to neighbors.
Rahmanullah Rakanwar, 29, was often spotted engrossed in “Call of Duty” within the vacant apartment he shared with his wife, who wears a hijab, as local residents mentioned to the Post on Thursday.
Neighbors noted that Rakanwar and his family, refugees who arrived in 2021 following the U.S. exit from Afghanistan, had very little furniture—just “a few couch cushions to sleep on” in their bare living space.
One neighbor remarked that they “never looked in” due to language barriers, as Rakanwar didn’t speak much English.
“Bellingham is very liberal. It’s very welcoming. It’s very diverse, it’s very open,” added another resident.
Rakanwar, born in Afghanistan and believed to have come to the U.S. through the Operation Welcoming Allies initiative, opened fire just blocks away from the White House around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, injuring two National Guard members.
Follow the latest updates on the National Guard shooting in Washington, DC.
The injured soldiers, Sara Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolf, 24, were reported to have sustained serious injuries. Beckström’s father shared with the New York Times that she had suffered “mortal injuries.”
The reason behind the shooting remains unclear.
Authorities labeled the incident a “targeted attack,” asserting that Rakanwar had driven across the border from Washington to commit the act.
Having been confirmed by the CIA as part of the elite counter-terrorism force Unit Zero in Afghanistan, Rakanwar now faces multiple charges, including three counts of assault with intent to kill and possession of a weapon.
