Smith and Wesson revolver used in DC National Guard shooting leaves two soldiers in critical condition, suspect identified as Afghan national who drove across country

Smith and Wesson revolver used in DC National Guard shooting near White House. Suspect identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal who drove from Washington state. Two Guard members remain in critical condition after ambush on November 27, 2025.

Weapon Details and Attack on National Guard Members

U.S. Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro revealed the weapon at Thursday’s press conference. The suspect used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, a repeating handgun capable of firing six shots without reloading. Pirro explained the significance of this firearm choice during the incident.

The two National Guard members were ambushed near Farragut West Metro Station, just blocks from the White House. Andrew Wolfe was struck down and shot twice while Sarah Beckstrom was shot multiple times. Both had been sworn into service less than 24 hours before the attack occurred.

After the brazen shooting, other National Guard members at the scene engaged and neutralized the suspect. He was shot during the confrontation and transported to hospital for treatment. Both Guard members underwent surgery and remain in critical condition.

Suspect’s Background and Afghanistan Connection

Detail	Information
Suspect Name	Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29 years old
Previous Location	Bellingham, Washington (drove 40+ hours to DC)
Afghanistan Service	Worked with CIA-backed military unit in Kandahar
US Entry Date	September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome
Visa Status	Arrived under humanitarian parole; granted asylum April 2025
Charges	Assault with intent to kill; potential murder charges

CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwal worked as a member of partner forces in Kandahar. According to a former military commander who served alongside him, Lakanwal was a GPS tracker specialist known as a “sporty and jolly character.” His unit, designated Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force, was also known locally as Scorpion Forces.

As part of the evacuation effort during Afghanistan’s fall to the Taliban, Lakanwal was moved from Kandahar to Kabul five days before the Taliban entered the capital. He protected the airport for six days before being airlifted out along with other Afghan partners who had worked with US forces.

Investigation and Terrorism Charges

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Law enforcement teams have executed search warrants at Lakanwal’s residence in Washington state and followed leads to San Diego, California. The FBI seized numerous electronic devices including mobile phones, laptops, and iPads for analysis.

Patel stated investigators are examining Lakanwal’s relationship with Afghanistan partner forces and any known associates either overseas or within the United States. The investigation spans coast to coast, with FBI teams conducting block-by-block canvasses and interviewing witnesses near the attack location.

“This is what happens in this country when people are allowed in who are not properly vetted.”

— Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for DC

Federal Response and Security Implications

Following the attack on November 26, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard troops deployed to Washington DC. Trump called the shooting an “act of terror” and “barbaric” attack on military personnel. He stated the US would “re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.”

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspended all processing of Afghan immigration requests indefinitely. The agency announced it would conduct a comprehensive review of vetting and security protocols used during evacuation programs. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser commented that the young Guard members “should be at home in West Virginia with their families,” criticizing continued military deployment in the capital.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth coordinated the deployment alongside Trump’s directive. Law enforcement agencies characterized the attack as a “brazen and targeted” assault occurring in broad daylight near one of the nation’s most secure locations.

What Remains Unknown About Suspect’s Motives?

U.S. Attorney Pirro stated it is “too soon to say what the motive is” and that investigations are ongoing. Officials say several areas are being examined but they are “not ready” to release details regarding potential motivations behind the carefully planned attack.

The investigation remains fluid with teams working around the clock. FBI teams will pursue evidence wherever it leads across the country or internationally, according to Director Patel. The exact circumstances that prompted Lakanwal to drive from Washington state to target these specific Guard members remain under investigation.