U.S. Officials Say Afghan Suspect in D.C. National Guard Shooting Radicalized After Arrival

U.S. authorities believe the Afghan immigrant accused of ambushing two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., became radicalized only after arriving in the United States, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press and ABC’s This Week, Noem said investigators think Rahmanullah Lakanwal was living in Washington state when he adopted extremist views. Officials are now seeking more details from his family members and community contacts.

Lakanwal, 29, was identified as the suspect in Wednesday’s deadly shooting near the White House that left one National Guard member dead and another critically wounded. The attack immediately sparked political debate over immigration policy and vetting procedures. Despite claims from the Trump administration blaming lax screening under former President Joe Biden, government records reviewed by Reuters show that Lakanwal was granted asylum earlier this year during President Donald Trump’s current term.

Although Lakanwal originally entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of the Biden administration’s evacuation program for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan withdrawal, Noem emphasized that evidence points to his radicalization happening stateside. She added that Lakanwal had previously served in a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan, raising further questions about his trajectory after resettling in the U.S.

“We believe he was radicalized since he’s been here,” Noem said, noting that investigators are actively interviewing individuals who interacted with him. She also warned that federal authorities would pursue anyone who may have supported or had information about the attack.

In response to the incident, the Trump administration has moved to tighten immigration measures, including halting all asylum application processing. Trump has also suggested the U.S. could pause asylum admissions indefinitely. Noem added that officials may review and potentially deport individuals with pending asylum claims if deemed necessary.