CIA Confirms Afghan National Linked to DC Guard Shooting Worked with Agency
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national who allegedly shot two National Guard members conducting patrols near the White House on Wednesday, had previously worked with the agency during the U.S. war in Afghanistan.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program and was granted asylum earlier this year.
“The Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the US government, including CIA,” Ratcliffe told Fox News Digital, adding that Lakanwal’s involvement with the agency was “as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation.”
The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, reported that the CIA-backed units included counterterrorism teams called the “zero units,” which carried out combat missions to capture or kill suspected terrorists.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that one of the victims, Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died. The other victim, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
Trump called Beckstrom a “highly respected, young, magnificent person” who was “outstanding in every way.” He added that he would speak with her family soon.
On Thursday morning, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that Lakanwal will face three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm. She added that first-degree murder charges could be filed if the victims do not survive.
