White House shooting suspect Afghan identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former U.S. partner force member linked to CIA work
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan granted U.S. asylum in April 2025 after vetting, has been named the prime suspect in a November 2025 shooting near the White House that wounded two National Guard members and prompted a federal terrorism probe.
- Suspect identified: Rahmanullah (also reported as Rahmatullah) Lakanwal, 29, Afghan national granted asylum in April 2025.
- Alleged crime: November 2025 shooting near the White House that wounded two National Guard members; FBI treating it as a potential international terrorist act.
- Past U.S. ties & vetting: Reported work with U.S. contractors and a CIA-backed partner unit in Afghanistan; asylum granted after biometric and interagency review.
- Political fallout: Renewed debate over Afghan asylum policies and calls for case reviews from national figures.
Main coverage
Background: who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal and what he did in Afghanistan
Reporting from multiple outlets outlines Lakanwal’s origins and roles in Afghanistan. According to the Times of India, Lakanwal was born in Kabul in 1996 and worked as a logistics coordinator for a U.S. contractor, placing him in contact with American Special Forces in Helmand Province.
Those accounts also link him to the Kandahar Strike Force (KSF), an elite partner unit that reportedly operated alongside U.S. special operations out of Firebase GECKO. The reporting cites former officials and veterans who describe his service and connections to U.S. units.
Beyond combat-related roles, reporting says Lakanwal worked as a field coordinator for the International Rescue Committee and that four U.S. Marines supplied letters praising his “courage under fire,” documents referenced in coverage of his asylum case.
Asylum, vetting and entry to the U.S.
After the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban takeover, Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and was granted asylum and a work permit in April 2025, according to published accounts. Officials described a process that included biometric checks and an interagency review before approval (Times of India).
Debate: Supporters of current vetting argue the interagency checks show the system screened known risks; critics say the incident exposes potential flaws in handling asylum and special immigrant cases (Time).
The alleged attack and the federal probe
Incident: Federal law enforcement officials have identified Lakanwal as the primary suspect in a November 2025 shooting near the White House that injured two National Guard members. The FBI is leading the investigation and is treating the incident as a possible international terrorist act while probing any links to overseas extremist groups (Time; YouTube).
Investigators report Lakanwal had no prior U.S. criminal record, though neighbors said he grew withdrawn in summer 2025. Media accounts note social media posts critical of U.S. drone strikes and content aligned with Taliban messaging, though authorities say the probe is ongoing and no definitive public link to an extremist group has been confirmed.
Public and political reaction
The shooting drew sharp public statements.
Former President Donald Trump called the attack “a heinous assault” and “an act of evil and act of hatred and an act of terror,” urging a re-examination of Afghan immigration cases. (YouTube)
Those comments increased pressure for reviews of how Afghan evacuees and asylum seekers were vetted and admitted. Lawmakers asked whether connections to U.S. forces were fully reviewed; other officials cautioned against hasty policy changes before the investigation concludes (Time).
What sources say and what remains unconfirmed
Published reporting tying Lakanwal to CIA-linked units and U.S. special operations is based on interviews with veterans, officials and public statements. The Times of India and others cite remarks linking him to the Kandahar Strike Force and supportive roles for U.S. units.
However, U.S. government agencies have been cautious: the FBI and other authorities continue to investigate motive, methods and possible foreign ties and have not publicly confirmed every detail reported in international media (Time; YouTube).
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic impact: Los Angeles hosts a large Afghan-American community and many resettlement agencies. If federal policy tightens asylum approvals or slows work-permit processing, local nonprofits and city services may face increased demand and short-term costs.
Political consequences: The incident could influence local and state political debates. Some elected officials may call for stricter vetting while immigrant advocates defend refugee protections and due process.
Social effects: Afghan and other immigrant communities in L.A. could experience anxiety, stigma or harassment. Community centers, schools and places of worship may increase outreach and counseling to reduce tensions.
Cultural relevance & practical applications: The case raises questions about loyalty, trauma among interpreters and moral obligations to U.S. partners. Practical concerns for Angelenos include potential changes to housing availability, school enrollment, local job markets and nonprofit staffing if case reviews delay permits.
Sources and further reading
- Times of India: “Inside the life of Rahmatullah Lakanwal: How a CIA-linked Afghan evacuee became White House shooting suspect”
- Time: “National Guard shooting near White House prompts debate over Afghan asylum and vetting”
- YouTube reporting segment (investigative coverage) and YouTube reporting (comments from former President Trump)
Ongoing questions investigators are pursuing
Investigators continue to examine:
- Exact nature of Lakanwal’s roles with U.S. agencies and partner forces in Afghanistan.
- Path, scope and thoroughness of vetting prior to his arrival and asylum approval.
- Any confirmed organizational links to extremist groups outside the U.S.
- The motive for the November 2025 attack and whether others were involved.
Federal officials say they will release more information as the probe continues. For now, many reported details remain under investigation and unconfirmed by authorities.
