The man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House led what neighbors described as an unassuming and quiet life in Bellingham, Washington, before Wednesday’s deadly attack thrust him into the national spotlight. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has become the focus of an intense law enforcement investigation following the ambush-style attack that left Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dead and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition.
Neighbors described Lakanwal as someone who largely kept to himself. In interviews with local media outlets, they said he spent much of his time playing video games like Call of Duty and FIFA in his sparsely furnished apartment, where he lived with his wife and five children. The home reportedly had no beds; the family slept on couch cushions. Residents noted that the family “never made a peep,” and that Lakanwal spoke little English. His oldest child is 14, they added.
Despite the quiet nature of his household, law enforcement says Lakanwal traveled across the country from Washington state to commit the attack in DC. Officials reported that the suspect used a .357 revolver to shoot both National Guard members in a coordinated ambush, with one of the soldiers reportedly firing first while just feet from Lakanwal, and the other taking cover behind a bus stop. A third National Guard member reportedly subdued the attacker, who also sustained gunshot wounds and is currently being treated in a hospital.
The FBI conducted a raid on Lakanwal’s apartment roughly sixteen hours after the shooting. Neighbors described hearing loud banging and agents shouting “FBI” as they entered the building. Despite the investigation’s intensity, a motive for the attack remains unclear. Law enforcement sources indicate that Lakanwal is not cooperating with authorities, leaving officials grappling with both the reasoning and the scope of the crime.
Lakanwal’s background and arrival in the United States add further layers to the story. According to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Lakanwal had direct ties to U.S. intelligence from his work alongside Special Forces in Afghanistan. “He was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021, on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about,” Ratcliffe said. “Nobody knew who was coming in. His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden… our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration’s catastrophic failures.”
While Lakanwal entered the U.S. as part of the Operation Allies Welcome program, his visa later expired, and he applied for asylum in 2024. That application was granted in April 2025 under the Trump administration. A White House official told the Daily Mail that Lakanwal could not have been removed from the country due to his parole status, explaining that “this Afghan national was paroled into the US by the Biden Admin… Regardless of asylum status, this monster would not have been removed due to his parole status, granted by Joe Biden.”
The political fallout from the shooting has been swift. President Donald Trump publicly blamed the Biden administration, calling Afghanistan “a hellhole on earth” and describing Lakanwal as “the animal” who would “pay a very steep price.” In response to the attack, Trump ordered an additional 500 troops deployed to Washington, DC, and announced a series of immigration measures, including a “permanent pause” on migration from certain countries, a green card audit across 19 nations, the elimination of federal benefits for noncitizens, and stricter deportation measures for foreign nationals deemed security risks or “non-compatible with Western Civilization.”
US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the indefinite suspension of processing immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending review of security and vetting protocols. “The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission,” the agency said in a statement.
The attack has also raised questions about the National Guard members involved. Both soldiers had recently been sworn into the West Virginia National Guard, with Beckstrom tragically dying from her injuries on Thursday evening. Prior to her death, DC U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that Lakanwal would face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Charges could be upgraded to first-degree murder depending on the condition of the surviving soldier.
Neighbors’ descriptions of Lakanwal’s seemingly ordinary life contrast sharply with the violent crime for which he is now accused. Bellingham, Washington, is a liberal and diverse community, with residents noting the area’s welcoming nature. “Very welcoming. Very diverse. Very open,” one neighbor said, expressing shock at the actions of someone who had been part of their neighborhood for years.
Lakanwal’s family, including his wife and five children, have remained largely out of the public eye since the incident. His apartment, described as sparsely furnished, offered little indication of the violent act that authorities now say he carried out hundreds of miles away in the nation’s capital.
Law enforcement sources indicate that multiple raids are ongoing, including searches of properties connected to Lakanwal in Washington state. FBI Director Kash Patel described the investigation as “coast-to-coast,” reflecting the nationwide concern over the suspect’s movements and potential associates.
Questions continue about how Lakanwal, given his background with U.S. intelligence, was able to carry out such an attack. Reports indicate that he had direct experience with the CIA as part of a partner force in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and that he had been brought to the U.S. as part of a refugee resettlement program. His subsequent asylum approval under the Trump administration and parole status prevented removal, according to officials.
Political figures from both parties have seized on the incident to make broader points about national security, immigration, and accountability. President Trump framed the shooting as a failure of Biden-era immigration policies, while Democrats have emphasized the need for careful vetting, due process, and adherence to federal law. These debates are expected to intensify as the investigation progresses and additional information about Lakanwal’s activities, background, and connections comes to light.
The shooting has also reignited discussions about the safety of National Guard members performing duties in the nation’s capital. Observers note that the attack targeted relatively new members of the Guard, highlighting vulnerabilities and prompting calls for additional security measures. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called the attack “cowardly” and “dastardly,” praising the bravery of the soldiers who intervened and calling for swift justice.
Lakanwal’s alleged actions and the subsequent law enforcement response have led to nationwide media coverage, with social media amplifying both the tragedy and the political discourse surrounding the case. News outlets have highlighted the contrast between his ordinary, quiet life in Bellingham and the violent act committed in DC, while analysts discuss the broader implications for refugee resettlement, immigration policy, and national security.
The investigation remains ongoing, with federal authorities pursuing all leads and evaluating potential motives, associations, and planning involved in the attack. Law enforcement has not ruled out additional charges or the involvement of other parties, and public attention remains fixed on the developing story as officials work to ensure justice and prevent future incidents.
As communities in both Bellingham and Washington, DC, grapple with the impact of the attack, attention has turned to memorials and vigils for the fallen soldiers, particularly Sarah Beckstrom, whose life was tragically cut short. Residents and officials alike have emphasized the need for unity, support for military personnel, and careful consideration of policy reforms in the wake of the incident.
The Lakanwal case underscores the complex interplay between immigration policy, national security, and community integration. While neighbors described a quiet and unassuming man in Bellingham, the actions alleged by authorities reveal a starkly different reality, highlighting challenges in predicting and preventing isolated acts of violence.
With investigations ongoing, the case remains a focal point for policymakers, law enforcement, and the public. Questions about how an individual with Lakanwal’s background could carry out such an attack, the role of federal and local agencies, and the adequacy of existing vetting and parole protocols are expected to dominate political and media discourse in the coming days.
As federal authorities continue to review records, interview witnesses, and assess the suspect’s connections and motivations, the nation watches closely, balancing the demands of justice, public safety, and policy reform.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
