Washington D.C - Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has been identified as the suspect in a shocking shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members badly hurt. This tragic event has a heartbreaking twist: Lakanwal himself was a former ally who once served side-by-side with American troops. On Wednesday, the 29-year-old opened fire just two blocks from the US President's home. Other soldiers quickly stopped him, and he was also shot, though his injuries are not life-threatening. The motive for his sudden, violent act remains a mystery, leaving investigators with a difficult puzzle to solve.

Lakanwal's journey to the United States was part of Operation Allies Welcome, the US government’s program to resettle Afghans after America pulled its troops out in 2021. For ten years, Lakanwal had served in the Afghan army, even working closely with US Special Forces as a loyal partner. Like thousands of others, he was brought to safety in the US because his life was in danger from the Taliban back home. He has a wife and five young sons, all now living in the US. His story was supposed to be one of rescue and a fresh start in America after his brave service.

This devastating incident raises hard questions about the many Afghans who risked their lives for the US and the support they receive after arriving.  This case has quickly become a talking point for critics of the resettlement program, highlighting worries about how new arrivals are checked. But for others, it's a painful reminder of the hidden struggles and pressures faced by those who escape war and try to build a new life in a foreign land. This former ally's violent breakdown shines a spotlight on a complex human crisis far bigger than one shooting.