Afghan CIA Collaborator Accused in Fatal Washington DC National Guard Shooting
Published 27 November 2025
Highlights
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former Afghan CIA collaborator, is accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington DC.
- The victims, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, were critically injured; Beckstrom later succumbed to her injuries.
- Lakanwal entered the US under the Operation Allies Welcome program in 2021 and was granted asylum in 2024.
- The attack was described as "targeted" and "brazen," with Lakanwal driving from Washington state to carry it out.
- Lakanwal is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Afghan CIA Collaborator Accused in Fatal Washington DC National Guard Shooting
In a shocking incident near the heart of Washington DC, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former Afghan collaborator with the CIA, has been accused of a targeted shooting that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The attack, which took place just blocks from the White House, has raised questions about the vetting process for Afghan immigrants who worked with US forces.
Background and Immigration Context
Lakanwal, 29, arrived in the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, designed to provide refuge to Afghans who assisted US military efforts. His asylum was granted earlier this year, amid the ongoing complexities of Afghan immigration policies. Lakanwal's history includes working with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan, particularly in the volatile Kandahar region, where he was part of the Scorpion Forces, known for their counterterrorism operations.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
On Wednesday afternoon, Lakanwal allegedly ambushed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both newly sworn-in members of the West Virginia National Guard. The attack, described as "brazen and targeted" by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, involved Lakanwal driving from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the assault. Beckstrom tragically succumbed to her injuries on Thursday evening, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Lakanwal has been charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm. The FBI and local authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attack, which has sparked a broader discussion about the integration and monitoring of individuals who enter the US under special immigration programs.
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Scenario Analysis
The tragic events in Washington DC could lead to increased scrutiny of the Operation Allies Welcome program and similar initiatives, potentially impacting future Afghan immigration policies. Legal experts suggest that the case may prompt a reevaluation of the vetting processes for individuals with military backgrounds entering the US. Politically, the incident could fuel debates over national security and immigration, influencing policy decisions in the lead-up to upcoming elections. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely remain on understanding Lakanwal's motives and preventing similar incidents in the future.
In a shocking incident near the heart of Washington DC, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former Afghan collaborator with the CIA, has been accused of a targeted shooting that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The attack, which took place just blocks from the White House, has raised questions about the vetting process for Afghan immigrants who worked with US forces.
Background and Immigration Context
Lakanwal, 29, arrived in the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, designed to provide refuge to Afghans who assisted US military efforts. His asylum was granted earlier this year, amid the ongoing complexities of Afghan immigration policies. Lakanwal's history includes working with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan, particularly in the volatile Kandahar region, where he was part of the Scorpion Forces, known for their counterterrorism operations.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
On Wednesday afternoon, Lakanwal allegedly ambushed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both newly sworn-in members of the West Virginia National Guard. The attack, described as "brazen and targeted" by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, involved Lakanwal driving from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the assault. Beckstrom tragically succumbed to her injuries on Thursday evening, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Lakanwal has been charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm. The FBI and local authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attack, which has sparked a broader discussion about the integration and monitoring of individuals who enter the US under special immigration programs.
What this might mean
The tragic events in Washington DC could lead to increased scrutiny of the Operation Allies Welcome program and similar initiatives, potentially impacting future Afghan immigration policies. Legal experts suggest that the case may prompt a reevaluation of the vetting processes for individuals with military backgrounds entering the US. Politically, the incident could fuel debates over national security and immigration, influencing policy decisions in the lead-up to upcoming elections. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely remain on understanding Lakanwal's motives and preventing similar incidents in the future.
