The United States is reeling from a devastating terror attack that unfolded just two blocks from the White House, leaving one National Guard soldier dead and another fighting for his life in critical condition.
The Deadly Ambush: What Happened?
According to official sources, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahamanullah Lakanwal carried out a calculated ambush on two West Virginia National Guard troops during their patrol duty in Washington D.C. The attacker drove across the country from Washington State to reach the U.S. capital before launching his assault.
The attack claimed the life of 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, while 24-year-old Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized. Officials confirmed Lakanwal used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in what they described as an ambush-style shooting.
Shocking Background of the Attacker
Investigators have uncovered that Rahamanullah Lakanwal was a former member of CIA-backed Afghan special forces, specifically the Zero Units. He entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, the program established following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
This revelation has raised serious questions about the vetting process for Afghan refugees entering the country and has put Biden-era immigration policies under intense scrutiny.
Political Fallout and National Security Implications
The attack has sent shockwaves through the political establishment in Washington, with lawmakers from both parties demanding answers about how a former member of Afghan special forces could carry out such an attack on American soil.
Security protocols around the White House and other federal buildings are being reviewed, while the FBI has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The tragedy has reignited debates about immigration policies and national security measures.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of a young soldier and prays for the recovery of another, while security agencies work to ensure such a brazen attack never happens again so close to the heart of American democracy.
