Washington Shooter Suspect Worked with US Military in Afghanistan

US media reported on Thursday that the Afghan national suspected of carrying out the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington previously worked with US forces in Afghanistan before being evacuated to the United States.

1. Suspect's Identity and Background

• Suspect's Identity: An Afghan migrant, 29 years old, named Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

• Previous Work: He worked with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the US military, and other government agencies in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

• Arrival in the US: He arrived in the United States in September 2021, a month after the chaotic withdrawal of US troops.

• Reason for Evacuation: Fox News, citing CIA Director John Ratcliffe, reported that the Biden administration justified bringing the suspect to the US due to his prior work with the US government as a member of a partner force in Kandahar.

• Nature of the Incident: Senior law enforcement officials told NBC that the attack, where the suspect used a handgun, is likely considered an "act of terrorism."

2. Suspension of Afghan Immigration Applications

• The Decision: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced late Wednesday the indefinite suspension of processing all immigration applications related to Afghan nationals.

• Administration's Justification: The administration posted on X: "The protection and safety of our homeland and the American people remain our sole focus and mission."

• Trump's Call: The decision follows President Donald Trump calling the incident an "act of terrorism" and his call for the government to re-vet Afghan migrants who entered the US under his predecessor, Joe Biden.