Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national and former member of a CIA-backed unit, is accused of shooting two National Guard members near Washington, D.C. The alleged attack occurred after Lakanwal struggled with mental health issues, financial hardship, and a perceived lack of support from the U.S. government. Having served with the CIA in Afghanistan and resettled in the United States, Lakanwal faced difficulties finding employment and accessing immigration services. Despite undergoing extensive vetting, he was reportedly experiencing isolation and sought help from a CIA program for veterans, though his requests appear to have been ignored.
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Thousands of Airbus A320 family aircraft were grounded globally for a software update after it was discovered that solar radiation could interfere with onboard flight control computers. The issue stemmed from a problem with software that calculates a plane’s altitude, potentially causing data corruption at high altitudes. While many aircraft could be updated with a simple software fix, older models required physical computer replacements, leading to potential delays. Airlines worldwide, including in the UK, US, and Australia, experienced varying levels of disruption, with cancellations and delays impacting some flights.
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DC shooting suspect worked for CIA in Afghanistan, drove across country before attack, officials say. It’s a pretty staggering headline, isn’t it? The core of the story, as it’s emerging, revolves around a man, reportedly a former CIA operative who had worked in Afghanistan, who is now the prime suspect in a shooting incident in Washington D.C. The fact that this individual drove across the country before the event is a significant detail, painting a picture of deliberate action and premeditation. It’s a complex situation with a lot of moving parts.
The immediate reaction, as you might expect, is one of shock and a need to understand how something like this could happen.… Continue reading
The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who ambushed two National Guard members in Washington D.C., is confirmed to have worked with CIA-backed military units in Afghanistan. Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 through an Operation Allies Welcome program, allegedly drove from Washington State with a targeted plan, using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. The two injured National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, are in critical condition, and the FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. The suspect is now in custody and will face charges including assault with intent to kill.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the lifting of all restrictions on commercial flights at 40 major airports, effective Monday at 6 a.m. EST. These restrictions, in place since November 7th, were implemented due to safety concerns and staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities during the government shutdown. The FAA’s decision followed a recommendation from a safety team after reviewing safety trends and noting a decline in staffing-related events. While the agency is reviewing reports of non-compliance by carriers during the order, airlines are now permitted to resume their regular flight schedules.
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On Saturday, US airlines canceled 1,460 flights due to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) order to reduce air traffic because of the government shutdown. The slowdown, a result of air traffic control staffing issues and forced, unpaid labor, is affecting at least 12 major US cities and could intensify, particularly impacting travel near the Thanksgiving holiday. As the shutdown continues, concerns arise about disruptions to tourism, shipping, and a potential rise in consumer prices due to increased costs. If the slowdown continues, the economy could suffer further losses throughout numerous industries.
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The ongoing federal government shutdown is causing widespread impacts, including a 10% reduction in air traffic at major U.S. airports due to staffing shortages, as reported by the FAA. Vice President JD Vance warned of impending “aviation emergencies” and other consequences, such as food assistance program disruptions, if the budget standoff continues. The shutdown has resulted in furloughs and unpaid work for essential personnel, exacerbating the risk to public safety and economic stability, with no immediate resolution in sight as both parties remain deadlocked.
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A federal judge in Texas has granted the government’s request to dismiss the criminal conspiracy charge against Boeing related to the 737 Max crashes, which resulted in 346 fatalities. As part of the agreement, Boeing will pay an additional $1.1 billion in fines and compensation. This resolution comes despite the judge’s statement that the deal “fails to secure the necessary accountability to ensure the safety of the flying public.” The Justice Department maintains the resolution is the most just outcome, though some of the victims’ families plan to appeal the decision.
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Tim Weiner, author of *Legacy of Ashes*, warns that US intelligence is at a crisis point due to the current administration’s actions, particularly regarding the White House’s authorization of undercover CIA operations in Venezuela, which mirrors a long history of interventionism in Latin America. According to Weiner, the public nature of the operation decreases its chances of success, and the president’s disdain for intelligence reports raises further concerns. Weiner expresses skepticism that covert actions will successfully overthrow Maduro, cautioning that these operations could potentially make the situation worse. Furthermore, the author suggests that the CIA’s loyalty to the Constitution, rather than the president, may lead some officers to resist orders.
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Venezuela’s government announced the capture of a group of alleged mercenaries with ties to the CIA, accusing the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago of coordinating military exercises designed to provoke armed conflict. The Maduro regime claims the arrests revealed a “false-flag operation” planned to initiate a military confrontation. These accusations coincide with the buildup of U.S. forces in the Caribbean, where the U.S. is attempting to combat drug cartels. The Venezuelan government alleges that Trinidad and Tobago is acting as a “military colony” for the U.S. and is contributing to U.S. militaristic efforts in the area.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood