Washington Shooting Suspect Charged with Murder, Immigration Rules Questioned
Fatal attack near White House intensifies debate over resettlement programs and national security
Washington, Nov 29: An Afghan national, 29 year old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with first degree murder following the fatal shooting of a West Virginia National Guard member near the White House. The attack also left a second Guardsman critically injured. Lakanwal, who arrived in the US in 2021 under the Biden era Operation Allies Welcome resettlement program, was initially booked on assault charges, but the upgrade to first-degree murder opens the possibility of a death penalty despite Washington, DC’s capital punishment ban.
DC Attorney General Pam Bondi announced her intent to seek the death penalty in line with President Donald Trump’s policy stance, which calls for capital punishment in all murder cases in the district.
The incident has reignited debate over US immigration and resettlement programs, with Trump using the attack to propose sweeping restrictions on migration from “Third World” countries. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump called for a permanent pause on migration, termination of illegal admissions under the Biden administration, and stricter vetting of non-citizens.
Investigators continue to review the circumstances of the attack and are considering additional charges or federal enhancements. Prosecutors are preparing for a case that could carry the maximum penalties under national security and homicide laws, as questions remain about the effectiveness of security vetting for evacuees.
