Rahmanullah Lakanwal

Some Lesser Known Facts About Rahmanullah Lakanwal

• After completing his formal education, Rahmanullah Lakanwal joined the Afghan army and served for 10 years, including a stint at a base in Kandahar.

• He then served with US Special Forces before moving to the US in September 2021.

• Rahmanullah Lakanwal came to America through the Operation Allies Welcome program, a Biden-era initiative that resettles Afghan nationals who helped the US during the Afghanistan war.

• The program supports those at risk of retaliation from the Taliban after the US left Afghanistan.

• Rahmanullah Lakanwal was resettled in Bellingham, Washington, under this program.

• In December 2024, he reportedly applied for asylum, and his request was approved on 23 April 2024, three months after Donald Trump became the President.

• On 26 November 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal made headlines when he shot two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House in Washington, DC.

  

• During investigations, it was revealed that he was waiting near the Farragut West Metro Station and began shooting around 2:15 pm.

• Rahmanullah Lakanwal shot a female guard first in the chest, then in the head. The reports described it as a targeted attack.

• He then shot at the second guard before a third guard nearby rushed in and stopped him.

  

• Rahmanullah Lakanwal was shot four times after attacking and was taken away by the police, nearly naked, in an ambulance.

  

• The Police said in the media that Rahmanullah Lakanwal was alone, had not shared a motive for the attack, and had no criminal history.

  

• After the attack, President Donald Trump condemned the attack and said the attacker would pay a heavy price. Trump said,

  The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price.”