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In a serious incident that occurred just before Thanksgiving, a shooting took place near the White House, targeting two members of the National Guard. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has a complicated background linked to a covert CIA unit known for its counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan. This revelation has raised significant concerns about the vetting processes for Afghan nationals entering the United States.
Lakanwal, 29, was affiliated with a specialized group called NDS-03, which operated under CIA oversight and received direct support from U.S. military and intelligence agencies. His unit was primarily active in southern Afghanistan, particularly in regions such as Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan. Notably, the unit was stationed at a facility that was once used by the notorious Taliban leader, Mullah Omar.
The path to the U.S.
In 2025, Lakanwal entered the United States legally as part of the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome. This initiative aimed to assist Afghans who were vulnerable after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent resurgence of the Taliban. The operation was designed to resettle individuals who had previously aided U.S. forces during their missions in Afghanistan.
After arriving in the U.S., Lakanwal successfully applied for asylum, with the process being finalized in April 2025 during the Trump administration. This timeline highlights a notable gap between his arrival and the tragic incident leading to his arrest, raising questions about the effectiveness of the established vetting protocols for such resettlements.
Concerns about the vetting process
Following the shooting, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and FBI Director Kash Patel expressed serious concerns regarding the vetting procedures that allowed Lakanwal to enter the country. During a press conference, Pirro remarked that the incident illustrated the potential risks of inadequate screening processes, stating, “This is what happens when individuals are admitted without proper background checks.” Patel echoed these concerns, criticizing the Biden administration for allegedly allowing a large influx of individuals without thorough vetting.
Despite these criticisms, a senior U.S. official revealed that the CIA had conducted its own vetting process through various databases, including the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). This process aimed to identify any potential links to terrorist organizations before Lakanwal was authorized to work alongside American forces.
The role of NDS-03
NDS-03 was one of several paramilitary units collaborating with the CIA, often referred to as Zero Units due to their numerical designations within the Afghan National Directorate of Security. Members of this unit underwent rigorous training and were involved in high-stakes counterterrorism operations targeting groups like the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Those familiar with Lakanwal’s unit described its members as courageous and trustworthy, capable of executing some of the most challenging missions in Afghanistan.
Interestingly, it was not uncommon for Afghan recruits to manipulate their ages in official records, primarily due to the scarcity of accurate birth documentation in the country. A senior official noted that Lakanwal may have been as young as 15 when he began his work with the CIA, a common practice among Afghans seeking to join U.S. operations.
Details of the shooting incident
The shooting occurred around 2:15 PM on November 26, 2025, near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C. Lakanwal is accused of targeting National Guardsmen Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, and Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, in what officials have described as a targeted ambush. The swift response from a fellow Guardsman led to Lakanwal being shot and subdued, resulting in his hospitalization under heavy security.
Both Beckstrom and Wolfe are currently in critical condition following surgical procedures, underscoring the serious nature of the attack. The ramifications of this incident extend beyond immediate concerns for the victims, as it raises broader issues about national security and the vetting of individuals who may pose risks to public safety.
Lakanwal, 29, was affiliated with a specialized group called NDS-03, which operated under CIA oversight and received direct support from U.S. military and intelligence agencies. His unit was primarily active in southern Afghanistan, particularly in regions such as Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan. Notably, the unit was stationed at a facility that was once used by the notorious Taliban leader, Mullah Omar.0