Rahmanullah Rakanwar, a 29-year-old from Afghanistan, has been named as the shooter who killed two National Guardsmen near the White House, just a day before Thanksgiving, according to law enforcement officials.
Rakanwar was arrested on Wednesday, and reports indicate that two security personnel are in critical condition. The shooting is being looked into as a possible instance of international terrorism.
Details about Rakanwar started to surface shortly after the incident.
Current Updates
As the situation unfolds, officials are focusing on the two National Guard members who remain in critical condition.
Background on Rakanwar
Rakanwar entered the U.S. legally in 2021 through humanitarian parole as part of the Biden administration’s Operation Welcome Allies, which aimed to support Afghans at risk following the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s takeover. His asylum request was reportedly approved during the Trump administration.
Sources have indicated that Rakanwar had connections with various U.S. government branches, including the CIA, due to his involvement as part of a partner force in Kandahar.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe mentioned that, following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the administration justified bringing Rakanwar to the U.S. citing his cooperation with the U.S. government.
Living Situation
Rakanwar resided in Washington state, having moved there about four years ago with his wife and five children. However, the specifics of how he traveled the nearly 4,500 miles to D.C. before the shooting remain unclear.
Incident Details
Investigators have reviewed footage depicting the attacker turning a corner and immediately opening fire on the Guardsmen before being subdued by them.
It remains undetermined whether a security guard or a responding officer shot the suspect, and the motive for the attack has not yet been established. The alleged shooter sustained serious injuries before being taken into custody.
Former President Trump described the incident as a “heinous assault” and labeled it an act of terrorism. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser referred to it as a “targeted shooting.” Authorities have yet to give updates on the conditions of the injured Guardsmen or the suspect.
