UPDATE: A shocking attack unfolded near the White House today when Afghan refugee Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, allegedly opened fire on two National Guard members, leaving them critically injured. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time, stirring chaos just blocks from the heart of American democracy.
Witness reports indicate that Lakanwal, who had been living in a modest apartment in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children, abruptly turned violent in what authorities describe as a “targeted attack.” Lakanwal is accused of using a .357 Magnum-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver, severely wounding National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. Beckstrom’s father has disclosed that she has sustained a “mortal wound” after being shot in the head and chest.
The FBI executed a dramatic raid on Lakanwal’s apartment approximately 16 hours after the attack. Neighbors recounted hearing loud banging and agents shouting “FBI” as they stormed the building. One neighbor expressed disbelief, stating, “Every sign in the world is pointing to Lakanwal being the shooter, but there are some things that just aren’t adding up.”
Lakanwal entered the U.S. through the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome program after fleeing Afghanistan in 2021. He previously worked with a CIA counterterrorism unit, raising pressing questions about how he was vetted for entry into the country.
As of now, Lakanwal faces at least three counts of assault with intent to kill and criminal possession of a weapon. If Beckstrom succumbs to her injuries, federal prosecutors, led by Homeland Security Secretary Pam Bondi, have vowed to seek the death penalty. Bondi stated, “We will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster who should not have been in our country.”
The community in Bellingham, known for its welcoming attitude towards Afghan evacuees, is in shock as they process the violent turn of events. Neighbors described Lakanwal’s family as quiet, saying they “never made a peep” despite their sparse living conditions.
The motive behind Lakanwal’s actions remains unclear. Authorities are investigating whether he drove cross-country to commit this heinous act, prompting widespread concern about security and vetting processes for refugees.
As updates continue to emerge, the nation is left grappling with the implications of this attack, questioning how such a tragedy could occur so close to the nation’s capital. The emotional toll on the victims’ families and the community is palpable, with many demanding answers and accountability.
Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent story as more details unfold.