FBI Director Kash Patel announced new developments in the investigation into the November 27, 2025, attack that left two West Virginia National Guardsmen shot near the White House, confirming that federal agents executed a search warrant at the suspect’s last known address in Washington state. Patel said evidence recovered at the location led law enforcement to individuals associated with the suspect in San Diego, expanding the scope of a rapidly unfolding, coast-to-coast investigation.

The suspect has been identified by the Trump administration as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 during the Biden-era evacuation. Authorities believe he acted alone, though Patel emphasized that investigators are tracing every possible connection to determine whether Lakanwal had support, guidance, or prior coordination with anyone he encountered before the attack.

According to Patel, Lakanwal drove cross-country before arriving in Washington, D.C., where he ambushed the uniformed Guardsmen on duty. One of the soldiers, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, later died from her wounds, while Specialist Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. Patel called the attack a “calculated act of violence” that demanded a full-spectrum federal response.

The search of the Washington state residence provided what Patel described as “substantial leads,” allowing agents to identify individuals in San Diego who had interacted with or maintained some form of association with Lakanwal. Federal investigators are now conducting interviews and searching for any indicators that could reveal what motivated the shooter, how he acquired his weapons, and whether he received assistance at any point.

Patel reiterated that, based on current evidence, Lakanwal appears to have acted alone in carrying out the shooting. Nevertheless, he stressed that the bureau is operating with maximum caution, given the national security implications tied to Lakanwal’s background as an Afghan refugee brought into the country during a period of incomplete vetting and high-risk admissions.

The Trump administration has framed the attack as a direct consequence of the previous administration’s decision to admit tens of thousands of Afghans with insufficient screening. Patel’s briefing reinforced the view that the tragedy was preventable and underscored the need for stricter immigration controls, improved monitoring of foreign entrants, and stronger coordination between federal agencies.

As the investigation expands from Washington, D.C., to both coasts, Patel vowed transparency and swift action, stating that every lead will be pursued until the full picture of Lakanwal’s movements, motives, and associations is established.