Personal Crisis Linked to DC National Guard Shooting by Afghan Suspect

Law enforcement, including both the U.S. Secret Service and Washington's Metropolitan Police, swiftly responded to a shooting incident near the White House on November 26, 2025, involving two West Virginia National Guard members.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, upon arriving in the United States from Afghanistan, initially exhibited vibrance and optimism. Over time, however, those observing him noted a shift towards isolation and inexplicable long-distance journeys without informing family members, a volunteer close to his family explained.

Lakanwal stands accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers on November 26. Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old, succumbed to her injuries, while another soldier, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in serious condition.

A volunteer associated with refugee resettlement, speaking anonymously to NPR, expressed primary concern over Lakanwal potentially harming himself given his withdrawal from social interaction.

This volunteer shared that upon initially meeting Lakanwal in Bellingham, Washington, in 2022, he was engaging and spirited, often seen interacting animatedly with other Afghans.

Although he initially was employed and hosted social events, by 2023, Lakanwal increasingly withdrew, seemingly overwhelmed by the difficulties of finding consistent employment and acclimating to American life.

Emails from January 2024 reveal growing concerns over Lakanwal’s mental health, noting his tendencies to retreat to his dimly lit bedroom, avoiding communication even with his immediate family.

There are indications that Lakanwal’s past experiences working with U.S. military forces in Afghanistan might have contributed to potential PTSD and cultural disconnect, as opined by a non-clinical volunteer.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commented that the authorities suspect Lakanwal might have been influenced by radical ideologies while in the U.S., owing to his local connections.

Conversely, the refugee volunteer saw no evidence of radicalization, rather attributing Lakanwal’s crisis to his poor English skills and increasing cultural seclusion.

As a veteran of an elite Afghan counterterrorism unit linked to the CIA, Lakanwal came to the U.S. due to his previous ties with U.S. forces fighting against the Taliban.

Despite Lakanwal's erratic behaviors, those working with him never perceived a threat, remaining shocked by the recent events.

Efforts to obtain assistance for Lakanwal from official refugee services were met with limited success, leaving volunteers to voice frustration at the lack of resources.

In response to the incident, the Trump administration initiated a review of refugee cases and asylum applications for Afghan nationals within the country.

Shawn VanDiver, representing AfghanEvac, a veteran-led nonprofit, cautioned against generalizing Lakanwal’s actions to the broader Afghan refugee community, emphasizing their contributions as law-abiding residents.