Authorities believe the Afghan immigrant accused of ambushing two National Guard members in Washington D.C. became radicalized after arriving in the United States, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem stated on Sunday that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting, was residing in Washington state at the time of his alleged radicalization. She added that investigators are actively seeking further information from his family members and other associates.
Lakanwal, 29, has been identified as the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting, which occurred just blocks from the White House. The incident resulted in the death of one female National Guard member and critically injured another.
Following the shooting, some officials have pointed to alleged lapses in vetting processes for Afghans and other foreign nationals during the previous administration. However, it’s important to note that Lakanwal was granted asylum during the Trump administration.
Secretary Noem’s comments suggest that Lakanwal, who reportedly worked with a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan, may have embraced extremist ideologies after his arrival in the US.
“We believe he was radicalized after he arrived in this country,” Noem told NBC. “We believe that was through connections in his local community and in Washington state, and we will continue to speak to those who were connected to him, including family members.”
The investigation is ongoing.
