Rahmanullah Lakanwal Biography
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a 29 year old man from Afghanistan. He came to the United States in 2021 after the US left Afghanistan. Before that, he worked with US forces against the Taliban. In November 2025, he became known for a sad event in Washington DC. On November 26 2025, he allegedly shot two members of the National Guard near the White House. One died, and the other was hurt badly. This story shows how hard it can be for people from war zones to start new lives. It also raises questions about how the US checks people coming in.
Lakanwal was born on February 9 1996. He grew up in a place full of fighting. His life changed when he helped the CIA in Afghanistan. Later, he got permission to stay in the US. He lived in Washington state with his family. But then, this shooting happened. People are talking about why it occurred. Was it anger? Or something else? Officials are looking into it. They think it might be linked to terrorism, but nothing is sure yet.
This article will tell you about his early days, his work, his family, the recent news, and more. It aims to teach you facts in a simple way. You will learn about Afghanistan’s history too. That helps understand his story. Many Afghans like him helped the US. Now, some face problems in their new home. Let’s look at his life step by step.
Afghanistan has been in war for many years. It started after 2001 when the US went there to fight terrorism. Many locals helped the US. Lakanwal was one of them. When the US left in 2021, thousands came to America. This was part of a plan called Operation Allies Welcome. It helped people who were in danger from the Taliban. Lakanwal came under this plan on September 8 2021. He was checked by officials before coming.
In the US, he tried to build a new life. He got asylum in April 2025. Asylum means legal protection to stay. This happened after more checks. No bad records were found. He lived quietly until the shooting. Now, his case makes people think about safety and helping allies.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal Early Life in Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Lakanwal was born in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, on February 9 1996. But he grew up in Khost province. This area is in the east, near Pakistan. It is known for mountains and tribes. The people there are mostly Pashtun, a big ethnic group in Afghanistan. Life was tough because of ongoing fights.
Khost has a history of conflict. In the 1980s, it was part of the war against the Soviet Union. Then, after 2001, the US came to fight the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Many families lost homes or loved ones. Young people like Lakanwal saw violence often. Schools were sometimes closed. Jobs were hard to find. Many lived in poverty.
As a child, Lakanwal lived in a Pashtun family. Pashtuns have strong traditions. They value honor and family. But the war changed everything. Taliban controlled parts of Khost. They made rules that limited freedom. Girls could not always go to school. Boys had to be careful. Lakanwal was a teenager when the fighting was intense. At age 16 in 2012, he started working with US backed groups. This shows how early he got involved in the conflict.
Afghanistan’s economy depends on farming and aid. In Khost, people grow crops or herd animals. But bombs and fights ruined fields. Many turned to other work. Lakanwal’s early life taught him survival skills. He learned about loyalty in a divided land. This background helps explain why he helped the US. Many Afghans did so to protect their families from the Taliban.
The US war lasted 20 years. It ended in August 2021. During this time, places like Khost saw US bases and operations. Lakanwal grew up seeing soldiers and helicopters. It shaped his views. When the Taliban took over again, people like him were at risk. They had to leave quickly. His story is like many others from that time.
To understand better, think about daily life there. No steady power. Water from wells. News from radio. Family gatherings for safety. Kids played but worried about danger. Lakanwal’s youth was not easy. It prepared him for hard choices later.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal Career
Lakanwal’s work started young. In 2012, at 16, he joined a group backed by the CIA. This was in Kandahar or nearby areas. The group was called Zero Unit or something similar. It fought the Taliban. Lakanwal did logistics. That means he helped with supplies and plans. He worked for US contractors for four years.
These units were special. They gathered info and did raids. The CIA trained them. Lakanwal was not a fighter at first. He supported from behind. This made him eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa. SIV is for helpers of the US. It lets them come to America.
His job was risky. Taliban targeted helpers. Many lost lives. Lakanwal worked until around 2016. Then, the war went on. In 2021, when the US left, he fled Kabul. He came to the US under Operation Allies Welcome. This program helped over 100,000 Afghans.
In the US, his career changed. He settled in Bellingham Washington. No details on his job there. He focused on family. But his past work gave him skills. Maybe in logistics or security. Helpers like him often face job hunts. They need English classes and training.
The CIA units were key in the war. They stopped attacks. But some had issues like rights abuses. Lakanwal’s role was support. No bad reports on him. His work showed trust from the US. That helped his asylum case.
After asylum in April 2025, he could work legally. But the shooting stopped that. His career story teaches about alliances in war. US needed locals. Locals needed protection. When wars end, promises matter.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal Personal Life
Lakanwal has a family. He is married with five children. They are young. He brought them to the US in 2021. They lived in Bellingham Washington. This town is in the northwest, near Canada. It is quiet with parks and schools.
A local couple helped them. Stanley and Valerie Creighton hosted the family. They are wealthy. Stanley started a vet company. They made a GoFundMe for support. It raised money but was deleted later. The Creightons donated to Democrats. They support refugees. They had a guest house for the family.
Life in Bellingham was new. From war to peace. Kids went to school. Lakanwal drove a lot. He went cross country to DC before the event. No arrests before. He seemed normal.
Afghan families are close. They eat together and share stories. In the US, they learn new ways. Holidays like Thanksgiving. But culture shock happens. Language barriers. Missing home.
His personal life shows hope. Many refugees build good lives. They work hard. Contribute to society. Lakanwal’s family is part of the Afghan community in the US. Over 200,000 came since 2021. They face challenges like jobs and health.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal Recent News
On November 26 2025, a shooting happened in DC. Near the White House. Two National Guard members were shot. They were from West Virginia. One was Sarah Beckstrom, 20. She died on November 27 2025. The other was hurt badly. They were unarmed, on duty.
Lakanwal is the suspect. He allegedly used a semi automatic rifle. It was an ambush in daylight. He fled but was caught. Officials say he drove from Washington state. That is thousands of miles.
The FBI is checking for terrorism links. No manifesto found. Some say he overstayed a visa. But records show asylum in April 2025. He entered legally in 2021. Vetted multiple times.
President Trump spoke on November 27 2025. He blamed past policies. Said more troops to DC. Talked about deporting families. But asylum was under his admin. Biden started the program in 2021.
Victims were on routine security. Beckstrom was a specialist. Families are sad. It was near Thanksgiving.
Investigation goes on. Charges include murder. Possible life sentence. No motive clear yet.
Conclusion
Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s story is complex. From a boy in war to a helper then a resident. The shooting is tragic. It hurt families and sparked debates. We learn about risks in helping allies. US policies need care. Vetting is key but not perfect.
His life shows war’s long effects. Many Afghans helped. They deserve safety. But events like this test trust. Solutions include better support. Like classes and jobs for newcomers.
In the end, focus on facts. Heal divides. Honor victims. Help those in need. This case may change rules. For better security and fairness.
FAQs
What is Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s background?
He is from Afghanistan, born in 1996. Grew up in Khost. Helped US forces.
How did he come to the US?
In 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome. Granted asylum in April 2025.
What happened in the DC shooting?
On November 26 2025, he allegedly shot two Guardsmen. One died.
Was he vetted?
Yes, multiple times. No issues found.
What is his family situation?
Married with five kids. Lived in Bellingham.
Is there a motive?
Investigation ongoing. No clear one yet.
What are the charges?
Murder and possible terrorism. In custody.
How does this affect immigration?
It starts talks on better checks and support.