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New Insights Unravel Background of Afghan National Guard Shooter Linked to CIA Unit
Details have emerged regarding the Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guardsmen near the White House the day before Thanksgiving. According to reports released Thursday, the alleged shooter has ties to an elite CIA counterterrorism unit that operated in Afghanistan.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, now 29, was a member of NDS-03, a specialized group within the Afghan National Directorate of Security. This unit was famed for its collaboration with the CIA and received direct support from U.S. intelligence and military operations. Afghan Evac, a non-profit organization assisting Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas, provided these details about Lakanwal.
Elite Training in Counterterrorism
The NDS-03 unit conducted operations primarily in the southern regions of Afghanistan, specifically in Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan. Their base was established in the renowned compound of Mullah Omar, the late Taliban leader, also referred to as ‘Mullah Omar’s house’ or ‘Camp Gecko’ by U.S. forces.
Operating as one of several paramilitary groups teamed with the CIA, NDS-03 earned the nickname ‘Zero Units’ due to the numerical classification following their NDS name. Members were meticulously vetted and rigorously trained by the CIA, conducting high-stakes counterterrorism missions against groups like the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Those who worked alongside them commended their bravery and reliability.
Entry into the United States
Lakanwal entered the United States legally in 2021 under humanitarian parole as part of Operation Allies Welcome. This initiative aimed to assist Afghans who supported U.S. military efforts during the Afghanistan conflict following the Taliban’s swift resurgence. The Biden administration prioritized resettling vulnerable Afghans in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal.
His application for asylum was approved in April 2025 during the Trump administration, as stated by the non-profit group.
Concerns Surrounding Vetting Processes
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and FBI Director Kash Patel expressed serious concerns about the vetting processes for Afghan evacuees during a recent press conference. Pirro asserted that the shooting incident illustrates the risks associated with inadequate vetting before allowing individuals into the country. Patel further criticized the Biden administration, declaring that thousands of individuals entered the U.S. without proper background checks or vetting procedures.
A senior U.S. official conveyed to Fox News that the CIA implemented its own vetting procedures for Lakanwal. This involved consulting various databases, including the National Counterterrorism Center. The vetting aimed to ascertain whether he had any affiliations with known terrorist organizations.
Early Involvement with the CIA
Reports indicate that Lakanwal began his association with the CIA in approximately 2011 when he was likely around 15 years old. The official noted that the agency typically kept the identities of those they partnered with confidential.
During this time, it was not uncommon for Afghans to falsify their birth certificates to appear older, thereby enhancing their chances of employment with the U.S. government. The lack of official birth records in Afghanistan often complicated age verification.
The National Counterterrorism Center vetted Lakanwal during Operation Allies Welcome in 2021, conducting thorough checks for any potential ties to terrorism before he was granted entry into the United States. The senior official emphasized that no concerning information appeared during the vetting process, indicating he was cleared on all accounts.
Ongoing Vigilance Post-Arrival
The U.S. government has continued annual vetting of Afghan evacuees since their arrival, particularly following a foiled terrorism plot in Oklahoma connected to an Afghan evacuee before the previous election. This ongoing scrutiny reflects a heightened commitment to ensuring national security amidst evolving threats.
The Incident Near Farragut West Metro Station
Lakanwal now faces accusations of ambushing National Guardsmen Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, both in critical condition after the shooting incident near the Farragut West Metro station around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Reports describe the shooting as a targeted attack, with Pirro underscoring the premeditated nature of the assault.
The suspect was shot by a responding Guardsman and subsequently taken into custody, where he remains hospitalized under heavy guard. Both Guardsmen underwent surgery and continue to battle for their recovery.
This incident has reignited discussions surrounding the complexity of vetting processes, particularly for individuals with extensive backgrounds in conflict zones. As authorities investigate further, the implications of this incident may extend beyond immediate concerns, calling into question how national security is managed in the context of humanitarian efforts.
A Continued Dialogue on Security and Humanitarian Efforts
The shooting serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust vetting systems while considering the urgent need to support those who assisted U.S. forces in conflict zones. As discussions on immigration and security unfold, it is essential to find a balance that prioritizes safety while honoring America’s commitments to its allies.
