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:
โDenise 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.โ
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb released a statement strongly condemning the attack:
โViolence 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.โ
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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.