Washington — A federal probe has opened to determine whether Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers during a daylight ambush, became radicalized only after arriving in the United States. Though he passed background checks under both the Biden and Trump administrations, officials are questioning if his extremist turn happened after he landed in America.
Lakanwal cleared security screenings twice: first when he entered the country amid President Biden’s chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Kabul, and again after he secured asylum under the Trump administration in April.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News’ “Hannity” that while officials can examine a person’s past, predicting future actions remains far more difficult. He emphasized that voter scrutiny has shortcomings, especially since a person can alter their beliefs once they’re in the U.S.
Investigators are digging into Lakanwal’s four years of residency, particularly his time in Bellingham, Washington, to understand what drove him to drive roughly 3,000 miles and ambush two uniformed soldiers near the White House.
At the scene, the 29‑year‑old shouted “Allahu Akbar!” before firing at the West Virginia troops guarding the capital, police reports indicate. He’s charged with killing Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24.
In reaction to the attack, the Trump administration halted new asylum applications, suspended visas for Afghan nationals, and froze immigration from about 30 countries. Yet officials acknowledge that Lakanwal’s radical change likely occurred after he entered U.S. soil—an evolution that external vetting may not have detected.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that she believes he became radicalized after arriving in the U.S. She added that his political ties in his homeland likely played a role and that her office will continue meetings with anyone who interacted with him.
During the shootout, another National Guard member fired back, striking Lakanwal. He pleaded not guilty via an interpreter in a video court session from his hospital bed, saying extreme pain prevented him from opening his eyes.
Photos show Lakanwal, who left a clean criminal record and passed vetting under both the Biden and Trump teams.
Rubio warned that newcomers can appear free of radical history—even having collaborated with others—yet may be susceptible to radicalization once they arrive in the United States.
While in Afghanistan, Lakanwal worked with the CIA in a “Zero Unit,” a paramilitary group that human‑rights advocates have designated a death squad due to its brutality.
A DOJ press briefing included images of Wolfe and Beckstrom, credited to Reuters.
According to DHS, Lakanwal arrived on Sept. 8, 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, which helped resettle Afghans after Kabul fell to the Taliban.
A former senior intelligence officer told The Post that Lakanwal had no criminal history, making him almost undetectable during vetting.
The official added that the reason behind Lakanwal’s sudden break remains unknown.
A photo credits Anthony Rowland of CBS News for showing Secret Service and police officers assisting the National Guard after the shooting.
Lakanwal, a father of five, allegedly drove from Seattle to Washington, D.C. before ambushing the soldiers near the White House. Investigators raided his Washington State apartment but found no manifesto or clear motive for his attack on U.S. troops.
Reports suggest he faced financial strain after his work permit lapsed, possibly grappling with a mental health issue. An Afghan commander he respected had recently passed away, according to ABC.
A Getty Images photo shows Rubio speaking at a cabinet meeting on Dec. 2, 2025.
The Daily Beast alleged that a Taliban hit squad threatened Lakanwal’s family in Afghanistan, demanding he target U.S. troops, but The Post has yet to verify that claim.
The FBI declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
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