Key Takeaways
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan man who allegedly shot two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., previously served in one of Afghanistan’s elite counterterrorism units.
- Lakanwal’s unit, NDS-03, operated at the direction of the CIA and fought the Taliban on behalf of the U.S. government.
- He was evacuated by the U.S. military in August 2021 and arrived in the U.S. under humanitarian parole, later applying for and being granted asylum in April 2025.
- The FBI is investigating Lakanwal’s involvement with U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan, as well as any known associates.
- Lakanwal had an active special immigrant visa (SIV) application underway, which would have required review and vetting by the U.S. government, including the CIA.
Introduction to the Incident
The recent incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were allegedly shot by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan man, has raised questions about the vetting process for immigrants who have worked with the U.S. government. According to AfghanEvac, a nonprofit run by U.S. veterans and others who served in Afghanistan, Lakanwal previously served in one of Afghanistan’s elite counterterrorism units, NDS-03, which was operated by the CIA with direct U.S. intelligence and military support. This unit fought the Taliban on behalf of the U.S. government, and Lakanwal’s involvement with the CIA and U.S. military is likely to be a central focus of the investigation.
Lakanwal’s Background and Vetting
Lakanwal was evacuated by the U.S. military in August 2021, following the fall of Kabul, and arrived in the U.S. under humanitarian parole. He later applied for asylum in the Biden years and was granted asylum in April 2025, under the Trump administration. It is likely that Lakanwal was vetted multiple times during his journey to the United States, given his prior work with the U.S. government, including the CIA. However, FBI Director Kash Patel has stated that Lakanwal was allowed into the U.S. by the Biden administration without proper vetting, although he did not provide evidence to support this claim. AfghanEvac has noted that both the applications for chief of mission approval and asylum would have required review and vetting by the U.S. government, including the CIA.
Investigation and Response
The FBI is investigating Lakanwal’s involvement with U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan, as well as any known associates who may be overseas or in the United States. During a press conference, FBI Director Patel stated that Lakanwal’s relationship with partner forces in Afghanistan would be a central focus of the investigation. However, it is premature to say whether Lakanwal warranted more scrutiny, according to Shawn VanDiver, the founder of AfghanEvac. VanDiver emphasized that the vast majority of Afghans who have come to the U.S. are good upstanding citizens, and that it is unfair to paint the entire community with a broad brush.
Vetting Process for Asylum and SIV
The vetting process for asylum includes identity and background checks, biometric vetting, in-person interviews, and an assessment of individualized risk and eligibility under U.S. law. Those granted asylum can apply for a green card after one year. Lakanwal had an active special immigrant visa (SIV) application underway, which would have required review and vetting by the U.S. government, including the CIA. AfghanEvac has stated that the vetting process for SIV and asylum applicants is extensive and that the Afghan community undergoes some of the most extensive vetting of any immigrant population.
Conclusion and Community Response
The incident has raised concerns about the vetting process for immigrants who have worked with the U.S. government, and the investigation is ongoing. However, it is essential to remember that the actions of one individual do not reflect the entire Afghan community, which continues to contribute to the United States and undergoes extensive vetting. AfghanEvac has emphasized that the vast majority of Afghans who have come to the U.S. are good upstanding citizens, and that it is unfair to paint the entire community with a broad brush. The incident highlights the need for a thorough and fair vetting process, while also acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices made by the Afghan community.