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Rahmanullah Lakanwal FBI Identifies Suspect in DC Shooting as Afghan-Born Immigrant

November 27, 2025 · By sheploocloud@gmail.com · In U.S. News

Law enforcement sources cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages and that no motive has been confirmed. Federal officials stressed that the suspect remains in custody and no additional threats to the public have been identified.

A senior DHS official told USANewsToday that agencies are now reviewing Lakanwal’s entry records, asylum processing, and any prior background screenings, but noted that “public statements are moving faster than verified facts.”

Biden Administration Responds

The White House declined to comment directly on Trump’s remarks but said the administration is receiving regular updates from federal investigators. A spokesperson emphasized that the FBI is leading the probe and warned against “premature conclusions that could inflame public tension.”

Democratic lawmakers accused Trump of using the shooting to escalate his immigration rhetoric, while several Republicans argued the incident highlights broader concerns over vetting procedures.

Background on Operation Allies Welcome

Operation Allies Welcome was launched in 2021 to evacuate and resettle Afghans who assisted the U.S. mission following the Taliban takeover. According to DHS data, more than 88,000 arrivals were screened through multiple security layers, including Department of Defense and intelligence databases.

Officials familiar with the process noted that Lakanwal did not appear on any federal watchlists at the time of entry.

National Guard Members Remain in Critical Condition

The two wounded service members are still hospitalized in critical condition, according to the FBI. Their names have not been released, and officials say families have been notified.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said additional National Guard patrols will continue through the holiday weekend as a precaution, though there is no indication of a broader threat
Community Reaction and Security Concerns in D.C.

Residents in the area expressed shock after the daytime shooting unfolded just steps from major government buildings. Local businesses temporarily closed while police secured the scene, and several schools issued short shelter-in-place advisories as a precaution.

Washington, D.C. officials said the city has already increased surveillance around federal corridors following recent security assessments — but stressed there is no evidence the attack was part of a wider plot.

One law enforcement source described the incident as “isolated but serious,” noting that investigators are examining the suspect’s digital activity, travel history, and personal contacts.

Next Steps in the Federal Investigation

The FBI confirmed that agents are now executing search warrants and collecting electronic devices tied to the suspect. Prosecutors are expected to review the case for potential federal charges, which could include attempted murder of service members and weapons violations.

Officials also said the Department of Homeland Security will issue an internal report outlining how Lakanwal entered the country and whether any procedural failures occurred — a review expected to take several weeks.

Until then, authorities urged the public to avoid speculation.

“Right now, facts are more important than rhetoric,” a federal official told USANewsToday.
“The investigation will determine what happened — not political statements.”

What Comes Next

No charges have been formally filed yet
The suspect remains under medical supervision and in federal custody
National Guard patrols will continue through the Thanksgiving weekend
The FBI plans to release additional updates once witness interviews and forensic testing are complete

Officials say more information is expected in the coming days, but for now, the city remains on high alert — and the focus remains on the two critically wounded Guardsmen fighting for their lives..

Officials Urge Public Calm Amid Rising Political Tensions

Homeland Security officials expressed concern that the shooting is already being used to inflame national debate over immigration and security. A senior federal source said agencies are coordinating closely to prevent “misinformation from filling the gaps before verified facts are available.”

Civil-rights groups also warned against linking the incident to Afghan refugees broadly, noting that thousands resettled under Operation Allies Welcome have passed repeated security screenings and contributed to U.S. communities.

The American Immigration Council released a statement late Wednesday urging leaders “not to weaponize a tragedy before the investigation is complete.”

National Security Analysts Weigh In

Experts say the incident may reignite long-running political battles over vetting, asylum policy, and the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Former intelligence officer Laura Mitchell told USANewsToday that while the shooting is alarming, “there is no indication at this stage of ideological motivation, foreign direction, or a coordinated threat.”

Analysts added that early political framing could complicate the investigation and undermine public confidence in federal findings.

Families and Communities Await Answers

Outside the hospital treating the wounded Guardsmen, officials said the families are asking for privacy as they wait for updates. Military chaplains and support teams have been assigned to assist relatives and service members on duty elsewhere in the city.

In a brief statement, the National Guard said its focus remains on “supporting our soldiers and ensuring the safety of the public.”

City leaders urged Washington residents to continue their holiday plans but remain aware of emergency alerts.

The Bottom Line

Suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal — still under verification
Two National Guardsmen remain in critical condition
No confirmed motive and no broader threat at this time
FBI and DHS investigations are ongoing and expected to expand
Political reactions are intensifying, but officials insist facts come first

Authorities say the next official briefing is expected within 24–48 hours, depending on medical updates and forensic results.

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