Alleged Afghan-origin shooter reportedly affiliated with CIA, US Special Forces
US media reports on Wednesday claimed that the Afghan-origin man accused of opening fire on two National Guard soldiers near the White House had previously worked with the CIA and US Special Forces during his years in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The alleged attacker, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had reportedly maintained ties with US intelligence agencies due to his service as part of a partner security force before relocating to the United States.
Citing unnamed intelligence sources, several outlets said Lakanwal had “a prior relationship with various entities in the US government, including the CIA,” describing him as someone who had been deeply embedded in US counterterrorism operations during the war in Afghanistan. According to the reports, Lakanwal moved to the US after the Taliban takeover in August 2021 and lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. He was employed at Amazon at the time of the shooting.
The incident, which unfolded near a restricted security zone close to the White House, has triggered renewed scrutiny over Afghan resettlement programmes, vetting procedures and the monitoring of former partner-force members brought into the United States after the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Authorities have yet to disclose details regarding the motive behind the attack, while the condition of the injured soldiers remains undisclosed.
In a significant development, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Thursday that all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals have been halted indefinitely. In a statement issued on X, the agency said the suspension would remain in place until a comprehensive review of security procedures is completed. “Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols,” the post said, adding that ensuring national security “remains our singular focus and mission.”
The move is expected to impact thousands of Afghans—many of whom worked alongside US forces—who have been awaiting asylum, permanent residency, or special immigrant visas since 2021. Advocacy groups warned that the suspension could leave vulnerable families in limbo, while national security officials argued that the review was necessary in light of the latest incident.
Lakanwal’s alleged affiliation with US intelligence agencies has intensified political debate, with critics questioning whether lapses existed during his resettlement process. Former military officers noted that many Afghans integrated into partner forces during the war had undergone expedited vetting, raising concerns over whether earlier assessments were sufficient by current standards.
As investigations continue, officials have not ruled out further arrests or charges, and federal agencies are expected to provide updates once preliminary findings are completed. The shooting has heightened security concerns around key federal installations, prompting increased patrols and tighter controls in the capital.
