Law enforcement officials investigating the shooting in Washington DC are exploring a new motive following reports that the suspect ‘disappeared’ prior to the incident.
Earlier this week, on November 26, updates came in about a shooting in Washington DC that left ‘multiple people’ injured, leading to a lockdown at the White House.
It was later confirmed that the individuals injured included two guardsmen who were critically injured during this alarming event.
US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were deployed to the capital in August as part of President Trump’s initiative to combat crime.
After undergoing medical procedures, Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, remained in a critical state, with family and local officials appealing to the public for their thoughts and prayers.
Tragically, Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, passing away with her family by her side.
The alleged shooter, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, faces charges of first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Days after the event, The Sun reports that investigators are examining a new motive based on neighbors’ claims that Lakanwal ‘vanished’ weeks before the attack.
Mohammad Sherzard informed the Associated Press that Lakanwal disappeared approximately two weeks before the shooting.
Another neighbor echoed this to CNN, noting that Lakanwal hadn’t appeared at his local mosque for over two weeks.
“I didn’t see him, he disappeared,” the neighbor stated.
“He was not coming … somebody said he’s sick, someone else said he went somewhere.”
Authorities are currently investigating Lakanwal’s mental state during the time of the shooting.
According to a relative who spoke to NBC News, Lakanwal served in the Afghan military, providing support to US Special Forces.
“He was known for being responsible and professional within his team and had strong anti-Taliban views,” Lieutenant General Sami Sadat, who commanded Lakanwal, stated to CBS News.
Reports suggest that Lakanwal may have ‘suffered from PTSD’ after his military service, which is reportedly part of the investigation.
Following the incident, President Trump addressed the shooting, issuing a statement on Truth Social: “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement.
“These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”