National Guard members shot near White House in critical condition

WASHINGTON – The suspect accused of critically wounding two National Guard members in a shooting near the White House
entered the United States in 2021 through a refugee programme for people fleeing from Afghanistan, according to two people familiar with the investigation.

Local officials said the suspect, who was also injured after opening fire in a busy tourist area on the day before Thanksgiving, appeared to have acted alone, targeting members of the West Virginia National Guard.

The suspect was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, by people familiar with the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to share details publicly.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on social media said the suspect entered the US from Afghanistan in September 2021 under a Biden-era programme called Operation Allies Welcome, which provided entry to Afghan nationals fleeing the Taliban takeover of their country after the chaotic withdrawal of US troops.

In a video statement late on Nov 26, President Donald Trump declared the attack an “act of terror” and vowed to redouble the government’s efforts to deport migrants. He also suggested that he may further scrutinise migrants who fled Afghanistan
after the Taliban takeover. NYTIMES