News

Mounting Stress, Commander’s Death Under Scrutiny in D.C. Guard Shooting

As investigators search for a motive behind last week’s deadly shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., emerging details suggest the suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, may have been grappling with mounting financial pressures and a possible mental health crisis, according to  ABC News.

Multiple sources also say investigators are examining whether the recent death of an Afghan commander—someone Lakanwal reportedly admired and had worked with—may have been a significant emotional blow. The commander’s death, sources said, left Lakanwal “deeply saddened,” potentially compounding his stress.

According to the sources, Lakanwal had been unemployed, his work permit had expired, and he was allegedly struggling to pay rent and provide for his five children. Officials say he lived with his wife and family in Washington state before driving across the country to the nation’s capital, where he allegedly targeted the two Guardsmen.

A senior law enforcement official said that investigators are “looking at everything,” including signs of a deteriorating situation at home that may have contributed to the attack.

Federal agencies—including the FBI, Homeland Security, and intelligence officials—are also examining whether the shooting was directed or inspired by international terrorist groups. So far, authorities have released no evidence publicly linking Lakanwal to any extremist organization, and no terrorism charges have been filed.

The investigation remains in its early stages.

The shooting occurred on Nov. 26 just blocks from the White House. One of the two National Guard members, U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, died the following day from her injuries.

President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” and described it as “a crime against our entire nation.”

 

Kindly share this story:
Kindly share this story:
Share on whatsapp
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on telegram
Share on facebook
Top News

Related Articles