What We Know About the Vetting and Immigration of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, Suspect in National Guard Shooting
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., underwent thorough immigration and vetting procedures before being granted asylum in the United States in April 2025. Despite his background of working with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan, investigations into his radicalization and immigration process have raised questions about the effectiveness of screening protocols.
Background and Incident
Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant, shot two National Guard members last week in Washington, D.C., killing Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critically injuring Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe. Authorities identified him quickly as the suspect, noting his prior service aiding U.S. forces during the Afghanistan war. His actions have sparked national debate on immigration policies and vetting processes for asylum seekers.
Immigration and Vetting Timeline
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021, seeking asylum. He was vetted by U.S. authorities and granted asylum in April 2025, during the Trump administration’s second term, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. However, the Biden administration was responsible for the ongoing vetting process at the time of the incident.
His asylum application was approved after reviews, but federal investigators have disclosed that no prior red flags related to terrorism or violent extremism had surfaced during background checks. This has led to scrutiny over how radicalization occurs even after comprehensive vetting.
Radicalization Concerns
Federal agencies, including Homeland Security and the FBI, have indicated that Lakanwal may have become radicalized after arriving in the U.S., possibly within his local community or home state. There are no currently confirmed links between him and terrorist organizations.
Authorities are investigating his social media activity and interviewing acquaintances to establish motives for the attack. Reports describe him as isolated and suffering from manic episodes, rarely communicating with family members.
Official Responses and Policy Impact
Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that Lakanwal’s asylum was approved in April under Republican-led administration efforts, but the present vetting systems operated under the Biden administration. She also announced a pause on all asylum decisions across all nationalities as a direct response to the incident, reflecting increased caution in immigration policies.
The shooting has intensified a national conversation surrounding the balance between asylum relief and national security, highlighting the complexities involved in immigrant vetting processes.
Conclusion
The case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal underscores challenges faced by U.S. immigration and security agencies in identifying potential threats amid humanitarian efforts. While he was cleared to enter and remain in the country based on prevailing standards, his alleged path to radicalization prompts re-evaluation of existing oversight and support mechanisms for immigrants with trauma or mental health issues.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full circumstances behind the attack and refine policies to prevent future tragedies.