Key Takeaways
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan man, has been accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House, killing one and critically wounding the other.
- Lakanwal’s behavior had been deteriorating for years, with reports of him struggling to hold a job, flipping between periods of isolation and reckless travel, and showing signs of depression and suicidal thoughts.
- A community advocate had reached out to a refugee organization for help, fearing Lakanwal was becoming suicidal, but he refused assistance.
- Investigators are working to determine a motive for the attack, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggesting that Lakanwal may have been radicalized since arriving in the US.
- Lakanwal had worked in a special Afghan Army unit backed by the CIA and entered the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome.
Introduction to the Accused
The Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House had been struggling for years, unable to hold a job and flipping between long periods of isolation and reckless travel. Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s behavior had deteriorated so sharply that a community advocate reached out to a refugee organization for help, fearing he was becoming suicidal. Despite these warnings, Lakanwal’s actions came as a shock to those who knew him, including a community member who had seen him play with his young sons.
Deteriorating Behavior
Lakanwal’s behavior had been a cause for concern for some time, with reports of him struggling to assimilate into American life. He had quit his job in March 2023 and had been unable to hold a steady job or commit to his English courses. He would often spend weeks in his "darkened room, not speaking to anyone, not even his wife or older kids." At one point in 2023, the family faced eviction after months of not paying rent. The community member who had been working with Lakanwal’s family had become worried that he was so depressed that he would end up harming himself.
Radicalization and Motive
As investigators work to determine a motive for the attack, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has suggested that Lakanwal may have been radicalized since arriving in the US. Noem stated that officials "believe he was radicalized since he’s been here in this country. We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state and we’re going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him, who were his family members." However, she offered no additional information to support her statement. It is unclear what may have driven Lakanwal to commit such a violent act, but it is clear that his behavior had been deteriorating for some time.
Attempts to Seek Help
In an effort to help Lakanwal, a community advocate had reached out to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, a nonprofit group that provides services to refugees. The advocate had sent emails to the organization, describing Lakanwal’s struggles and expressing concern for his well-being. The emails described a man who was struggling to cope with his new life in the US, unable to hold a job or commit to his English courses. Despite these attempts to seek help, Lakanwal refused assistance from the organization.
The Attack and Aftermath
The attack, which occurred on the eve of Thanksgiving, shocked the nation’s capital. West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the shooting, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically wounded. Lakanwal, 29, has been charged with first-degree murder. As the investigation into the attack continues, many are left wondering what may have driven Lakanwal to commit such a violent act. The community member who had been working with Lakanwal’s family has spoken of their shock and sadness, saying that they had never seen any indication that Lakanwal would commit violence against another person.
Lakanwal’s Background
Lakanwal had worked in a special Afghan Army unit known as a Zero Unit, which was backed by the CIA. He entered the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the American withdrawal. Many of those who were resettled had worked alongside US troops and diplomats. Lakanwal had resettled with his wife and their five sons, all under the age of 12, in Bellingham, Washington. Despite the efforts of the community advocate and the refugee organization, Lakanwal struggled to adapt to his new life in the US.
Conclusion
The attack on the National Guard members near the White House has raised many questions about the events leading up to the shooting. Lakanwal’s deteriorating behavior and struggles to adapt to his new life in the US are clear, but the motives behind the attack are still unclear. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that more information will come to light, providing a clearer understanding of what drove Lakanwal to commit such a violent act.
