"The man suspected of shooting two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. was radicalized after arriving in the U.S. from Afghanistan, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday. Federal investigators believe Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, changed his mind about the U.S. following his arrival in 2021, Noem said on NBC's Meet the Press. We believe he was radicalized since he's been here in this country, Noem told the outlet. We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we're going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him."
"Lakanwal was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault for fatally shooting Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and wounding Andrew Wolfe, 24, in a Nov. 26 attack just blocks from the White House. Beckstrom and Wolfe were West Virginia natives on patrol around the nation's capital. In recent years, Lakanwal had grown isolated from his community in Bellingham, Wash., according to a person who knew him and spoke with The Associated Press. Rahmanullah has not been functional as a person, father and provider since March of last year, 03/2023. He quit his job that month, and his behavior has changed greatly, the person wrote in a January 2024 email."
"The acquaintance told the AP they were cooperating with the FBI and that Lakanwal would shut himself away in his home, which he shared with his wife and five children. The person worried Lakanwal was suicidal and reached out to a refugee aid organization. At points, Lakanwal would take off without warning and drive across the country, the source told the AP. He made a similar drive from Bellingham to Washington, D.C., before the shooting, authorities said."
Investigators believe Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, became radicalized after arriving in the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021. He was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault for a Nov. 26 attack near the White House that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and wounded Andrew Wolfe, 24. The victims were National Guard members from West Virginia on patrol. Lakanwal reportedly grew isolated in Bellingham, Wash., quit his job in March 2023, and lived with his wife and five children. An acquaintance expressed concern about possible suicidal behavior and cooperation with investigators noted long, unexplained cross-country drives including one to Washington, D.C.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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