DST News: CIA Director John Ratcliffe has revealed new details about the background of the alleged shooter in the Washington DC attack, saying the man was brought to the United States in 2021 because of his service with a US-supported force in Afghanistan.
Speaking to CBS, Ratcliffe said the suspect had been allowed entry after the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to him, the Biden administration justified his relocation based on “prior work with the US government, including the CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar”. Ratcliffe described the withdrawal as “disastrous”, noting that the suspect’s service ended shortly after the hurried evacuation.
During a joint briefing in Washington, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators have verified the suspect’s previous connection to US-allied units in Afghanistan.
“There is confirmation now that the subject had a relationship with partner forces,” Patel said, noting that federal agents are still scrutinizing that part of his history. An investigation into possible terrorism links is also underway.
FBI Director Kash Patel and District of Columbia Attorney Jeanine Pirro shared multiple updates on the shooting that left two National Guard members gravely injured. Key points include:
The victims were identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe.
Prosecutors said the pair were “ambushed” in a sudden and violent attack. Both remain in critical condition. One victim was struck down and shot again, while the other sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had driven from Washington state before the assault.
Lakanwal has been charged with assault with intent to kill while armed. Pirro said the charge will be upgraded to first-degree murder if either victim dies.
Authorities cautioned that it is still too early to determine a motive, though Patel confirmed that a terrorism inquiry is active.
Patel also disclosed that agents located the suspect’s most recent residence and seized several electronic devices—including mobile phones, laptops, and tablets—for forensic analysis.
He added that the investigation has led teams to San Diego, saying: “We will go anywhere in the country or the world where the evidence leads us.”
Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the attacker used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver—a classic “six-shooter”—which she said offers a clear idea of how many rounds were fired.
When questioned by reporters about whether the National Guard should have been deployed in Washington, Pirro dismissed the debate, insisting: “We should be grateful that the president decided to send additional law enforcement to help stabilize a city that recently had one of the highest homicide rates in the nation.”
A six-shooter revolver carries six rounds and can fire them sequentially without reloading.
Surce: BBC
