Afghan National in Guard Shooting Had CIA Counterterrorism Past, Says Group

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national implicated in the shooting of two National Guard personnel in Washington, D.C., was once part of an elite counterterrorism team in Afghanistan, backed by a nonprofit of U.S. veterans and others involved in Afghan affairs.

This special unit, active under CIA supervision and receiving substantial U.S. intelligence and military support, engaged in operations against the Taliban, claims the organization AfghanEvac.

In a statement, CIA Director John Ratcliffe explained that Lakanwal came to the U.S. in 2021 due to his previous collaboration with U.S. entities, including the CIA.

AfghanEvac stated that Lakanwal likely went through extensive vetting before entering the United States. Their group assists Afghan nationals who allied with the U.S.

The U.S. military facilitated Lakanwal's departure from Afghanistan in August 2021 as the Taliban regained control, arriving on humanitarian grounds in America amid the chaotic withdrawal.

Lakanwal was offered temporary refuge initially and subsequently sought asylum, which was granted in April 2025.

During a press briefing, FBI Director Kash Patel noted that Lakanwal’s participation in U.S.-Afghan cooperative missions is a critical area for ongoing investigations.

Kash Patel highlighted possible gaps in the vetting process, a claim pointing towards broader policy issues during the Biden administration, suggesting inadequacies in the immigration checks of individuals like Lakanwal.

Pending a green card, Lakanwal had an active special immigrant visa process for individuals assisting the U.S. military, having already secured essential mission approvals.

Shawn VanDiver of AfghanEvac emphasized the necessity of a cautious approach, urging not to judge the broader Afghan community based on one case, as most Afghans have complied with immigration expectations.

Granting asylum requires a thorough vetting procedure, including fingerprinting, interviews, and risk evaluations, underscored AfghanEvac, which remains optimistic despite recent unsettling events.