Suspect in D.C. National Guard Shooting Identified as Afghan National

Shooting of National Guard Members

• 🎯 Two National Guard members, Sarah Backstrom (20) and Andrew Wolf (24), were shot two blocks from the White House and remain in critical condition after surgery.
• ⚡ The FBI has classified the shooting as an act of terror.

Suspect Information and Background

• 🔍 The alleged gunman has been identified as Afghan National Rahmanal Lockenwal, a husband and father of five, who reportedly drove from his home near Seattle to carry out the attack.
• 🤝 Lockenwell previously worked closely with the US government during the war in Afghanistan and entered the US in 2021 through a Biden-era program for Afghans fleeing the Taliban.
• asylum application was granted in 2025 under President Trump, according to a DHS spokesperson.

Investigation and Vetting Process

• 💻 Authorities have seized numerous electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and iPads, which are currently being analyzed.
• ⚠️ Interviews are being conducted in Washington state and San Diego.
• 🧐 Samantha Vinegrad, a former DHS official, stated that every Afghan national who entered under the Pearl program was vetted for derogatory information in US holdings.

Political Reactions and Policy Review

• 🚨 President Trump has ordered an additional 500 troops to Washington D.C. and a review of all asylum cases approved under President Biden.
• 🗣️ A DHS spokesperson noted that a Biden-era court settlement requiring faster processing may have contributed to the approval of the alleged shooter's asylum case.
• 📈 The administration is also reportedly taking a new look at green card holders from 19 different countries.

Condition of the Victims

• 💔 Reports indicate that Sarah Backstrom is unlikely to survive, with her father by her side in the hospital.
• 🙏 Prayers are being offered for the families of both service members.