Kristi Noem: National Guard Shooting Suspect Radicalized in U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has stated that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan immigrant accused of ambushing National Guard members in Washington, D.C., was radicalized after arriving in the United States, not before.
Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of the Biden administration’s evacuation of Afghans who assisted American forces during the war in Afghanistan, was granted asylum in April by the Trump administration, according to government records reviewed by Reuters. Noem emphasized that authorities believe Lakanwal was living in Washington state when he became radicalized, likely through connections within his local community.
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press” and ABC’s “This Week,” Noem said investigators are continuing to gather information from family members and others who interacted with Lakanwal. “We believe he was radicalized since he’s been here in this country,” Noem told NBC News. “We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we’re going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him, who were his family members.”
Authorities have received some cooperation from individuals who knew Lakanwal, but Noem warned that anyone with information about the attack or its connections will be pursued. “Anyone who has the information on this needs to know that we will be coming after you, and we will bring you to justice,” she said.
Lakanwal was reportedly part of a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan, but officials now believe he embraced extremist views after settling in the U.S. The attack, which targeted National Guard members, has prompted renewed scrutiny of the asylum and immigration processes.
In the wake of the shooting, the Trump administration took steps to tighten legal immigration, including a freeze on processing all asylum applications. Noem confirmed that immigration officials would review every pending asylum case and consider deporting individuals if warranted. “We are going to go through every single person that has a pending asylum claim,” she said.
The incident has sparked debate over national security, immigration policy, and the integration of refugees and asylum seekers. Lawmakers and security experts are calling for increased vetting and monitoring of individuals granted asylum, particularly those with backgrounds in conflict zones.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the full extent of Lakanwal’s radicalization and whether others may have been involved in planning or supporting the attack. The case underscores ongoing concerns about homegrown extremism and the challenges of preventing radicalization within immigrant communities.
For now, the focus remains on gathering evidence, identifying potential accomplices, and ensuring the safety of military personnel and the public. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for U.S. immigration and counterterrorism policies in the months ahead.