U.S. officials say Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national accused of attacking National Guard members in Washington, D.C., was radicalized after arriving in the United States. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed investigators are examining his community and family ties while federal agencies consider broader immigration measures, including potential impacts on asylum applicants.
Homeland Security Confirms Radicalization Occurred in U.S.
Authorities have concluded that 29-year-old Lakanwal, became radicalized while living in Washington state following his entry to the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration’s mass evacuation program for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said investigators are actively gathering information from family members, community contacts, and acquaintances to understand the influences behind the alleged attack better and identify any potential associates or networks.
The shooting left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition, just blocks from the White House. The incident spurred federal authorities to review security protocols related to Afghan immigration, and broader asylum and refugee policies, citing a need to ensure the safety of both American personnel and communities across the country.
Officials said that radicalization after resettlement brings about different challenges, requiring monitoring and support systems for high-risk individuals even after they have been granted asylum or other immigration benefits.
Federal Response and Immigration Measures
Following the attack, President Trump indicated that the United States could extend a pause on asylum admissions indefinitely, emphasizing the administration’s concern over national security and potential risks posed by inadequately vetted entrants.
Secretary Noem explained that immigration authorities may consider deportation for individuals with active asylum claims if investigations indicate a security threat. She underscored the administration’s intent to conduct thorough reviews while coordinating with other federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Federal officials stressed that the review is part of a broader effort to tighten vetting procedures, strengthen oversight, and ensure that current and future asylum applicants are evaluated with enhanced scrutiny. The measures include detailed background checks, increased community engagement, and potential policy adjustments for specific countries identified as higher risk.
Investigation Focuses on Community and Family Ties
Noem told NBC News that investigators believe Lakanwal’s radicalization developed through connections within his local community in Washington state. Federal officials are actively interviewing associates, family members, and others who had interactions with him. She emphasized that anyone with information about the issue would be sought out and brought to justice.
The investigation aims not only to hold the suspect accountable but also to identify any networks, influences, or circumstances that could pose further threats. Lakanwal had previously served in a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan and was granted asylum under the Trump administration. Officials stressed that radicalization can take place after resettlement and that federal measures are designed to deal with those risks while balancing legal protections for immigrants.
Looking Ahead
The shooting has led to increased immigration scrutiny, such as a temporary freeze on asylum applications and the re-evaluation of green card holders from multiple countries. Analysts anticipate longer processing times for pending cases, potential new interview requirements, and additional procedural reviews across several federal agencies.
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