(Crankers) Authorities are looking into whether Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the National Guard shooting suspect, was blackmailed by the Taliban into carrying out the attack near the White House, which resulted in the death of one soldier and the serious injuries of another.
Lakanwal, an Afghan national who once served in U.S.-backed forces, was arrested after allegedly opening fire on Guard troops outside the Farragut West Metro station. Investigators are examining whether threats against his family in Afghanistan were used to coerce him. An intelligence source said that many resettled Afghans face intense pressure because the Taliban often targets relatives who remain in the country.
Prosecutors say he drove from Washington state in a Hyundai sedan and used a .357 caliber revolver to shoot U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who died of her injuries, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who remains in critical condition. A supervisor speaking with the troops said Lakanwal shouted “Allahu Akbar” before firing. The supervisor returned fire, wounded him, and helped subdue him.
Before the shooting, Lakanwal reportedly worked as a delivery driver in Bellingham, Washington, and was supporting his wife and five children while dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Officials note that others who aided U.S. forces in Afghanistan have faced retaliation worldwide.
Lakanwal may be executed if found guilty of first-degree murder. He entered a not guilty plea in court by video from a hospital bed. January is his next hearing.
Following the incident, the Trump administration froze pending refugee approvals and immigration applications from 19 countries and declared it would block migration from all “third world” countries. It has ordered an additional 500 National Guard soldiers to Washington and is thinking of extending the pause to 32 nations.
