The Pentagon announced that all National Guard members deployed in Washington D.C. would be armed with live weapons and conduct joint patrols with local police, a significant shift in the rules of engagement for domestic military deployments. This decision follows a recent shooting of two guardsmen, one of whom died, near the White House, prompting the administration to order more troops to the city. The move to arm these troops comes as a recent order finding the deployment unlawful is on hold, pending the Trump administration’s appeal. Additionally, the suspect in the shooting, an Afghan national, has caused the administration to launch a review of immigration policies.
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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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Following the ambush-style shooting of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz implied that President Trump bore responsibility for the death. Schultz argued the presence of the National Guard in U.S. cities, stemming from Trump’s policies, created the dangerous situation. She questioned Trump’s decision to deploy military troops, criticizing the lack of coordination with local authorities. The White House responded by placing blame on the Biden administration’s immigration policies.
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Donald Trump is considering the deportation of the family of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members. Trump also announced that his administration will “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” in response to the shooting. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome. One of the National Guard members, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, has died from her injuries.
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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
GOP senator calls to ban, deport ‘Islam’ immigrants over National Guard shooting. The reaction to this proposed policy is, unsurprisingly, strong and varied, reflecting the deep divisions within the country. It’s almost unbelievable that, in the wake of a National Guard shooting, a US Senator would suggest such a sweeping and discriminatory action. The core idea, that an entire group of people – in this case, immigrants who practice Islam – should be banned and deported because of the actions of a single individual, immediately raises red flags. It’s a suggestion that taps into deeply rooted prejudices and plays on fear, and many see it as a blatant example of Islamophobia.… Continue reading
Following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House by an Afghan national, the US has halted all immigration requests from Afghanistan. The suspect, who entered the US in September 2021 under a program for Afghan refugees, had previously been granted asylum. In response, President Trump has stated the need to reassess all Afghan immigrants, and the Pentagon is deploying additional National Guard members to the capital. This action follows the implementation of a travel ban and the termination of a program offering deportation protections for Afghans.
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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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Trump Administration’s actions are poised to escalate the military presence in Washington, D.C. following the tragic shooting of two National Guard members. This event, occurring amidst an already tense political climate and a court order to reduce military presence, raises serious concerns about the administration’s intentions. It’s difficult to ignore the potential for this incident to be exploited to further an agenda of increased control and an authoritarian direction.
The timing of this shooting is, to put it mildly, suspect. Given the court order demanding the removal of troops, the fact that such an event occurred shortly after is extremely difficult to disregard.… Continue reading
During a press conference regarding a shooting near the White House, FBI Director Kash Patel announced a manhunt for the shooter, vowing to bring them to justice. However, Metropolitan Police Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll quickly clarified that the suspect was already in custody at a hospital. The suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was apprehended at the scene. This incident adds to the controversy surrounding Patel’s tenure, which has previously been marked by missteps and questions of transparency.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood