Who was Rahmanullah Lakanwal and what charges does he face?

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a 29-year-old Afghan national charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and firearms offenses related to the shooting of two National Guard members, which resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critical injury to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.

What is the background of Rahmanullah Lakanwal before the incident?

Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA-backed Afghan special forces, was part of a 'Zero Unit' special Afghan Army unit, and was admitted to the US under the Operation Allies Welcome program following the military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

What did Congressman Bennie Thompson say about the murder and why was it controversial?

Congressman Bennie Thompson described the murder of the National Guardsman as an 'unfortunate accident' during a congressional hearing. This characterization faced backlash from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others who called the incident a terrorist attack, highlighting political tensions over national security issues.

What information is available about Lakanwal's mental health and behavior before the attack?

Lakanwal struggled with mental health issues and dark isolation, displaying manic episodes and social withdrawal. Community advocates expressed concerns about his deteriorating mental condition, though no indications of violence towards others were observed before the attack.

How did the attack unfold and what were the circumstances during the shooting?

Lakanwal ambushed two National Guard members outside a metro station near the White House, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' as he opened fire. He shot Beckstrom from behind and then tried to reload his .357 revolver before being wounded and subdued by another Guardsman and Secret Service officers.

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13d ago

Controversy Erupts Over National Guardsman's Murder Characterization

Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson's remarks on a National Guardsman's murder as an 'unfortunate accident' face backlash from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson described the murder of a National Guardsman as an 'unfortunate accident' during a congressional hearing.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Thompson's remarks, calling the incident a terrorist attack instead.

Republican Rep. Andy Ogles accused Thompson of disrespecting the victim by downplaying the murder.

The National Guardsman, Lakanwal, had previously worked with the CIA and was admitted to the U.S. under Biden's Operation Allies Welcome.

The differing opinions on the characterization of the murder highlight the political tensions surrounding national security issues.

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: Rahmanullah Lakanwal is a 29-year-old Afghan national charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and firearms offenses related to the shooting of two National Guard members, which resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critical injury to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Sources:
ABC News
: Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA-backed Afghan special forces, was part of a 'Zero Unit' special Afghan Army unit, and was admitted to the US under the Operation Allies Welcome program following the military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Sources:
OPB
: Congressman Bennie Thompson described the murder of the National Guardsman as an 'unfortunate accident' during a congressional hearing. This characterization faced backlash from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others who called the incident a terrorist attack, highlighting political tensions over national security issues.
Sources:
Le Monde
: Lakanwal struggled with mental health issues and dark isolation, displaying manic episodes and social withdrawal. Community advocates expressed concerns about his deteriorating mental condition, though no indications of violence towards others were observed before the attack.
Sources:
CBS News
: Lakanwal ambushed two National Guard members outside a metro station near the White House, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' as he opened fire. He shot Beckstrom from behind and then tried to reload his .357 revolver before being wounded and subdued by another Guardsman and Secret Service officers.
Sources:
ABC News

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