The FBI has launched a terrorism investigation following a shooting that injured two Guarda Nacional soldiers in Washington, DC. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, a few blocks from Casa Branca. Autoridades confirm that the suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan, acted premeditated and was shot during the exchange of gunfire.
Kash Patel, director of the FBI, announced the classification of the case at a press conference on Thursday. The soldiers, identified as Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, and Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, remain in critical condition in hospital. The attack took place near the Farragut West metro station, during routine patrol.
Casa Branca went into lockdown immediately after the shooting. Agentes of Serviço Secreto and Polícia Metropolitana of Washington responded within minutes. The suspect drove from Bellingham, in the state of Washington, to the federal capital for the act.
Local authorities describe the episode as a targeted ambush. The man carried a semi-automatic weapon and specifically targeted those in uniform. Ele has resided in Estados Unidos since 2021, via the Afghan refugee program.
Suspect’s entry into Estados Unidos
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect, arrived in the country in September 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program. Essa government initiative Biden evacuated Afghans who collaborated with American forces in Afeganistão. Lakanwal was part of CIA-backed counterterrorism units known as “Zero Units”.
He applied for asylum in 2024, approved in April 2025 by the Trump administration. Autoridades reviewed their immigration status annually. Apesar In addition, the FBI is now examining flaws in the initial vetting process.
Lakanwal lived in Bellingham with his wife and five children. Registros show employment in local construction. Vizinhos report a discreet routine, without previous signs of radicalization.
Victims and immediate response
Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe serve in Guarda Nacional of West Virginia. Beckstrom joined a year ago, focusing on logistics. Wolfe, veteran of two missions, was training for recent promotion.
Both were hit by multiple gunshots to the torso. Equipes doctors stabilized them in place before transferring them to the hospital. Cirurgias occurred on Wednesday night, with a guarded prognosis.
Polícia Metropolitana isolated the perimeter in five minutes. Tropas of Guarda Nacional reinforced security in the area. The Farragut West subway closed for hours, affecting traffic.
- Similar incidents in DC will grow 15% in 2025, according to city data.
- National guards on patrol accumulate 500 hours a week in the capital.
- Anti-terrorism training is mandatory for all unit members.
Enhanced security measures
Donald Trump, president of the Estados Unidos, classified the attack as an act of terror in a video statement. Ele ordered the deployment of 500 additional troops from Guarda Nacional to Washington. The measure aims to protect federal monuments and buildings.
Departamento of Segurança Interna has suspended Afghan immigration processing indefinitely. Essa pause affects thousands of pending orders. Autoridades promise complete review of all evacuees since 2021.
Searches took place at properties of Lakanwal in Bellingham and San Diego. Agentes of the FBI seized electronics and documents. The operation continues in multiple cities, focusing on possible contacts.
Jeanine Pirro, D.C. District Attorney, announced charges of aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. Cargos for domestic terrorism may be added. Pam Bondi, attorney general, indicated seeking maximum punishment if the victims die.
The lockdown on Casa Branca lasted 90 minutes. Emergency Protocolos activated underground bunkers. Trump was escorted to safety during the incident.
Connections to operations on Afeganistão
Lakanwal fought the Taliban in CIA missions between 2018 and 2021. Suas units captured suspects in Kabul and remote provinces. Ele received training in ambush tactics, an irony highlighted by analysts.
The evacuation program brought 76,000 Afghans to the US by 2022. Desses, 20% had direct ties to intelligence agencies. Initial Vetagens included interviews and biometrics checks.
Authorities are investigating whether Lakanwal maintained contacts at Afeganistão. Especialistas in counterterrorism monitor encrypted communications. Nenhum extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
John Ratcliffe, director of the CIA, confirmed the suspect’s background. Ele emphasized that evacuations prioritized high-risk allies. Críticas arise under post-arrival supervision.
The episode raises awareness for conflict veterans with mental instability. Dados of Departamento of Defesa shows 12% of Afghan evacuees seeking therapy by 2024.
Ongoing investigations and charges
The FBI coordinates searches in six states. Equipes forensics analyzes the vehicle used by Lakanwal. Digital Rastros includes searches for patrol routes in DC.
Prosecutors prepare extradition if necessary. Lakanwal remains hospitalized under armed guard. Interrogatórios starts as soon as released.
Authorities rule out immediate accomplices. No However, the support network is the main focus. Inteligência shares data with international allies.
- Weapon recovered: Glock 19 pistol, legally purchased in 2023.
- Preliminary motivation: resentment with immigration policies.
- Travel time: 2,800 km covered in 48 hours.
The case tests urban security protocols in Washington. Prefeita Muriel Bowser asked for more funding for patrols. Incidentes armed in the capital total 250 in 2025.
