(LOOTPRESS) – Federal investigators are working to understand what may have driven the suspect in last week’s fatal shooting of National Guard members near the White House, and emerging details point to a man facing mounting financial hardships and a growing personal crisis, according to sources familiar with the case.
Multiple officials briefed on the investigation told ABC News that 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal had recently been struggling under severe economic pressure. They say he was unemployed, his work authorization had expired, and he was allegedly having difficulty paying rent and providing food for his family. Authorities confirmed Lakanwal lives in Washington state with his wife and five children.
Personal Loss Under Scrutiny
Investigators are also examining the emotional impact of the recent death of an Afghan commander who reportedly mentored Lakanwal during his time in Afghanistan. According to several sources, Lakanwal held the commander in exceptionally high regard, and news of his death had weighed heavily on him. Officials are now assessing whether that loss, layered atop financial strain, contributed to a significant decline in his mental well-being.
A senior law enforcement source said Sunday that “every aspect” of Lakanwal’s life is under review, including what has been described as a “deteriorating situation at home.”
Terror Links Considered but Unproven
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and U.S. intelligence agencies are also evaluating whether the attack may have been inspired by or directed from abroad. However, investigators have not yet uncovered public evidence linking Lakanwal to any foreign terrorist organization, and no terrorism-related charges have been filed.
Officials stress the investigation remains in its early stages.
The Attack
Two National Guard members were shot just blocks from the White House on Nov. 26. One soldier later died from her injuries. Authorities say Lakanwal had driven from Washington state to the nation’s capital before allegedly targeting the Guardsmen.
Background With U.S. Forces
According to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Lakanwal previously served alongside U.S. agencies as part of a partner force in Kandahar, including work with the CIA, a collaboration that ended after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Sources also say he was involved with the “Zero Unit,” an elite Afghan force that conducted counterterrorism operations in coordination with the CIA and Joint Special Operations Command.
Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and received approval that April under the Trump administration, according to sources familiar with his immigration case.
Ongoing Investigative Efforts
Throughout the weekend, FBI agents continued interviewing family members and associates while analyzing documents, digital records and materials collected from searches of his residences, electronic devices and social media accounts.
Sources say Lakanwal remains hospitalized under heavy guard as investigators work to establish a clear motive behind the deadly shooting.
