Immigration Debate Erupts After D.C. Shooting

A former CIA-backed Afghan national is at the center of a deadly shooting near the White House, igniting a national debate on immigration policies.

Story Highlights

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former Afghan counterterrorism unit member, is the suspect in a D.C. shooting incident.
The shooting near the White House resulted in one National Guard member’s death and another’s injury.
Lakanwal was brought to the U.S. under a Biden-era program and later granted asylum during Trump’s presidency.
The incident raises questions about the vetting processes for Afghan refugees with military backgrounds.

Lakanwal’s Background and Journey to the U.S.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was evacuated to the United States in 2021 after the fall of Kabul. Lakanwal previously served in NDS-03, an elite counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan, working closely with the CIA.

His evacuation was part of Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated during the Biden administration to assist Afghan nationals who had supported U.S. forces. In 2024, Lakanwal applied for asylum, which was granted in April 2025 under the Trump administration.

This program was designed to rescue individuals facing persecution by the Taliban, but the vetting process has now come under scrutiny following this incident. The question of whether sufficient security protocols were followed in Lakanwal’s case is now a focal point of national debate.

The Incident and Its Implications

On November 27, 2025, Lakanwal was involved in a shooting near the White House, resulting in the death of one National Guard member and the wounding of another. Law enforcement reports suggest that Lakanwal drove from Bellingham, Washington, to D.C. with a loaded handgun, indicating premeditation.

The attack has prompted concerns about national security given Lakanwal’s military background and the proximity of the incident to the White House.

Federal agencies, including the FBI, are now reviewing vetting procedures for Afghan evacuees, especially those with military and intelligence backgrounds. The Trump administration is leveraging this incident to advocate for stricter immigration practices, highlighting the perceived failures of the Biden-era program.

Political Ramifications and Ongoing Investigations

The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive re-examination of green cards for immigrants from countries perceived as high-risk, partly in response to this incident. Meanwhile, Lakanwal remains hospitalized and is not cooperating with authorities.

The FBI is conducting a terrorism investigation, focusing on Lakanwal’s connections and motives. Law enforcement has seized electronic devices from his residence, hoping to uncover further details about his intentions.

This incident has intensified the ongoing debate over immigration policies between the Biden and Trump administrations, with each side defending their respective approaches. As investigations continue, the vetting processes for Afghan refugees and the broader immigration system are under significant scrutiny.