What's happened
A suspected attacker, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, shot two National Guard members outside a Washington, D.C. metro station, killing Sarah Beckstrom and injuring Andrew Wolfe. Lakanwal, an Afghan national with alleged ties to the CIA, faces terrorism charges. The incident raises concerns over immigration and national security.
What's behind the headline?
The attack underscores ongoing debates about vetting processes for Afghan refugees and the security implications of US immigration policies. Lakanwal's background, including CIA ties and asylum status, complicates the narrative, suggesting potential gaps in screening. The incident will likely intensify calls for stricter immigration controls and review of Afghan resettlement programs. The timing, amid US political tensions, indicates a strategic use of the event to criticize Biden's withdrawal and refugee policies. The FBI and DOJ will pursue terrorism charges, possibly leading to longer sentences and policy shifts. This event highlights the persistent challenge of balancing humanitarian efforts with national security, and the incident will likely influence future immigration and security legislation.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national with alleged CIA ties, was charged with multiple counts of assault and firearm possession, with terrorism charges expected. Alex Woodward notes that the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism, with Lakanwal arriving in the US during Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal. Julia Harte emphasizes the criticism of the vetting process for Afghan arrivals, citing concerns over security gaps. The articles collectively highlight the political use of the incident to critique US immigration policies and the ongoing security risks associated with Afghan refugees, especially those with prior government ties.
How we got here
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions over US immigration and Afghanistan withdrawal policies. Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who arrived in 2021 and was granted asylum in 2025, was living in Bellingham, Washington. He previously worked with the US government, including the CIA, in Afghanistan. The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, with authorities emphasizing the security risks posed by recent Afghan arrivals.
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