Alleged Afghan-origin shooter reportedly affiliated with CIA, US Special Forces

US media has reported that the alleged attacker who opened fire on two National Guard soldiers near the White House on Wednesday is reportedly affiliated with the CIA and US Special Forces. He previously worked with them in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

These reports, cited by international media from US intelligence sources, stated, "Lakanwal had a prior relationship with various entities in the US government, including the CIA, due to his work as a member of a partner force in Kandahar."

The alleged attacker has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, according to US media outlets. Lakanwal moved to the US after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. He served in the US Special Forces for ten years.

In the US, he lives with his wife and five children in Bellingham, Washington, and works at Amazon.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services on Thursday released a statement announcing that immigration requests from Afghan nationals will remain on hold until security vetting and a proper investigation are completed.

“Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols,” the post read on X.

“The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission,” it added.