Crime
National Guard Shooting Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal Applied for Asylum in 2024, Approved Earlier This Year
Federal officials have confirmed the identity of the suspect involved in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, age 29.
According to four senior U.S. law enforcement officials briefed on the case, Lakanwal is an Afghan national who entered the United States on September 8, 2021, as part of the Operation Allies Welcome program following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
Records show that Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024, and his request was approved earlier this year.
Officials also report that his previous immigration parole authorization expired in September 2025, leaving his legal status under review.
Lakanwal reportedly relocated with his wife, Khamila, and their five children to Bellingham, Washington, after arriving in the United States.
Federal sources further state that he previously served in the Afghan Special Forces and fought alongside U.S. military personnel during the conflict with the Taliban.
The shooting occurred near the Farragut Metro Station, not far from the White House.
Law enforcement officials described the attack as intentional and ambush-style.
Approximately 10 to 15 shots were fired before law enforcement and the suspect exchanged gunfire.
Lakanwal was struck four times and taken into custody after being transported to a local hospital.
Early witness statements and preliminary audio from the scene suggest the suspect may have shouted in a foreign language prior to firing.
Officials emphasize that these reports remain unverified as analysis continues.
Conflicting reports have been released regarding the condition of the two National Guard members.
Early statements suggested both had died, while later updates indicate the service members remain in critical condition.
Some federal investigative sources have described their condition as grave or potentially medically non-recoverable, though no official medical determination has been released.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed condolences, stating:
“Denise and I are devastated by the news that two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot earlier today in Washington, D.C. Our prayers are with these brave service members, their families, and the entire Guard community.”
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb released a statement strongly condemning the attack:
“Violence is never the answer and must be condemned. The National Guard are volunteers who leave their families and daily lives to serve their country. This is a heartbreaking day for Washington, D.C., and for our nation.”
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Metropolitan Police Department are jointly leading the investigation.
Authorities say the motive remains under review, and the incident is being examined as a possible act of terrorism based on early indicators.
Officials report there is no current evidence of a broader coordinated threat or any connection to federal property or officials.
With ambush-style attacks against military and law enforcement personnel increasing nationally in 2025, this incident has raised renewed security concerns surrounding public deployment of National Guard units.
Authorities are urging the public to submit additional video footage, witness accounts, or relevant information to assist the investigation.
Further verified updates will be released as information is confirmed.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.