Afghan Immigrant Who Attacked National Guard Members Became Radicalized After Arriving in the US, Homeland Security Reports

Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 during the Biden administration's evacuation of Afghans from Afghanistan.

US authorities believe the Afghan immigrant accused of attacking National Guard members in Washington, DC, became radicalised after arriving in the United States, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

In appearances on NBC's "Meet the Press" and ABC's "This Week," Noem stated that investigators believe alleged shooter Rahmanullah Lakanwal was living in Washington state when his radicalisation occurred. Authorities are gathering additional information from family members and associates, Noem explained.

Officials have identified Lakanwal, 29, as the suspect in Wednesday's shooting that occurred near the White House, killing one National Guard member and critically wounding another. Following the incident, President Trump's administration highlighted concerns about inadequate vetting of foreign nationals during former President Biden's term, though records show Lakanwal was granted asylum under Trump's administration.

Lakanwal came to the US in 2021 as part of the mass evacuation of Afghans who had assisted US forces during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan as Taliban forces took control. He received asylum approval in April under the Trump administration, according to government documents reviewed by Reuters.

Noem's statements indicate that Lakanwal, who had been part of a CIA-supported unit in Afghanistan, likely embraced extremist views after his arrival in the United States.

"We believe he was radicalised since he's been here in this country," Noem told NBC News. "We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we're going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him, who were his family members."

Noem mentioned that US officials have received "some participation" from people who knew Lakanwal and issued a warning that the US would pursue anyone connected to the shooting.

"Anyone who has the information on this needs to know that we will be coming after you, and we will bring you to justice," Noem stated.

Following Wednesday's attack, the Trump administration implemented measures to restrict certain legal immigration pathways, including suspending the processing of all asylum applications.

Noem indicated on Sunday that immigration officials would consider deporting individuals with active asylum cases if circumstances warranted such action.

"We are going to go through every single person that has a pending asylum claim," she said.