Bellingham Resident Tied to D.C. Attack; National Guard Member Not Expected to Survive

One of the two National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday is not expected to survive, according to The New York Times. The father of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom told the paper her wounds were described as “mortal,” and doctors do not anticipate a recovery. Beckstrom was working a protective assignment when the attack occurred.

Federal officials have identified the suspected gunman as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 after assisting U.S. forces overseas. Authorities told CNN and other outlets that he opened fire without warning, striking both Guard members before another service member returned fire. The second Guard member remains hospitalized.

Federal confirmation of Bellingham address

Federal officials have confirmed that Lakanwal had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with a North State Street location listed as his most recent address. Immigration records cited by CNN and The New York Times show that he arrived through Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-administration program created in 2021 to resettle Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul.

Those same records show Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted asylum in April 2025. Federal authorities have not released the name of the immigration judge who approved the case or where the proceedings took place.

FBI executes search warrant in Bellingham

FBI agents executed a search warrant overnight at the North State Street building, interviewing people inside and seizing electronic devices, including laptops, iPads and phones, according to reporting from KING 5.

Cascadia Daily News reports that additional warrants were executed in San Diego, where agents conducted follow-up interviews connected to the investigation.

A cousin speaking to the Associated Press, anonymously due to safety concerns, said Lakanwal previously served in a CIA-supported Afghan special unit before immigrating. A U.S. official told CNN that Lakanwal passed all required background checks during his work with American units and again during the resettlement process.

Federal agencies initiate broader review

Following the attack, CNN reports that several federal agencies have begun expanded reviews of asylum cases and some green-card approvals. Former President Donald Trump publicly referred to the shooting as an “act of terror” and called for intensified immigration restrictions. Investigators have not yet identified a motive.

City of Bellingham issues response

The City of Bellingham released a statement acknowledging the confirmation of Lakanwal’s local residence and stressing that his actions do not reflect the broader community.

“The terrible actions committed in Washington, D.C. yesterday are the actions of one person, not a community,” Mayor Kim Lund said. She noted that the attack does not represent Bellingham’s values and affirmed support for the families of the two injured Guard members.

City officials said Bellingham Police are in communication with federal partners and are prepared to assist the FBI if requested.

Statement from Bellingham Police Department

The Bellingham Police Department also released a public message acknowledging the developing situation and the confirmed ties to Bellingham. Chief Rebecca Mertzig said the department’s “hearts are heavy” for the two West Virginia National Guard members wounded in the attack and noted that BPD contacted its federal partners as soon as the possible local connection became known. Mertzig called the violence “horrific and unacceptable” and said the department is closely monitoring the case while remaining ready to assist federal investigators if requested.

Additional Context Reported by the Lynnwood Times

The Lynnwood Times also reported that a Bellingham couple had previously housed the suspect and shared a fundraising post on behalf of his family nearly two years ago. The outlet published what it said was the content of the now-removed GoFundMe description, which referenced the family’s recent evacuation from Afghanistan and the suspect’s past service alongside U.S. forces. At this time, federal authorities have not confirmed this portion of the reporting, and no official statements have addressed it. Bellingham Metro News will update readers if additional verification becomes available.

But it’s important and responsible to note as a media outlet that fundraising for refugees is not a crime, regardless of this event, especially since the main reason for the fundraiser was to help a man who apparently served alongside American service members for over a decade fighting the Taliban.

Multi-state investigation ongoing

According to the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office, as reported by CNN, Lakanwal allegedly drove from Bellingham to Washington, D.C., shortly before the shooting. Federal investigators have described the incident as an “ambush-style” attack.

The investigation now spans multiple states, with more information expected as federal agencies continue gathering evidence.

Bellingham Metro News will provide updates as further details are released. — Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Fernando Gonzalez is the Editor-in-Chief of BMN, contact him at [email protected]; 360-510-0929 TEXT ONLY. For tips, email [email protected]