The suspected shooter in a targeted attack near the White House in Washington, D.C., entered the United States under a Biden-era Afghan resettlement program. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, arrived in 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome, sources from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI confirmed.
President Joe Biden responded to the shooting before reports emerged about Lakanwal’s entry into the country. “Jill and I are heartbroken that two members of the National Guard were shot outside the White House,” he posted on social media. “Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and we must all stand united against it.”
Lakanwal’s presence in the United States was granted through humanitarian parole, part of a program DHS launched to resettle Afghan allies after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The operation aimed to evacuate vulnerable Afghans, including those who assisted U.S. troops, quickly and safely, according to former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
In September 2021, Mayorkas said approximately 120,000 people had been evacuated since the start of the withdrawal, with nearly 800 aircraft helping move thousands over a 17-day period. He emphasized robust vetting processes in both the U.S. and transit countries to screen for security risks. Some individuals were flagged with derogatory information, though the exact number was not disclosed.
The attack left two West Virginia National Guard members critically injured after they were shot in the head just blocks from the White House. Authorities are investigating the shooting as a possible act of international terrorism.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the evacuation and resettlement process, calling Biden “a disastrous president” and claiming that no one knew who was being brought into the country. Trump also highlighted that Lakanwal’s legal status was granted under legislation signed during Biden’s term. He suggested reexamining all arrivals under the program and called for swift justice for the shooter.
The Biden administration’s Afghan resettlement initiative followed the Taliban takeover, which created urgent humanitarian needs. Thousands of Afghans were temporarily housed on U.S. military bases while undergoing vetting and background checks before permanent resettlement. DHS mobilized Customs and Border Protection officers and Transportation Security Administration personnel to assist with the process.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. legally under this program in September 2021, months after the withdrawal concluded. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting and Lakanwal’s motives.
The incident has intensified debate over refugee and parole programs, as well as national security measures for individuals entering the country under humanitarian programs. Lawmakers and former officials have called for reviews of vetting procedures and resettlement policies in response to the attack.
Both the Biden administration and DHS have not provided further comment on Lakanwal’s entry under the Afghan resettlement program. Efforts to reach former DHS Secretary Mayorkas for comment were unsuccessful before publication.
