FBI agents raided the $2,000-a-month apartment in Bellingham, Washington, on Thursday, executing search warrants as part of a rapidly expanding terrorism probe tied to Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the gunman who ambushed and shot two National Guard members just steps from the White House.
Lakanwal is facing at least three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, along with criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities have hinted that additional federal charges, possibly terrorism-related, could be forthcoming.
The raid, led by FBI counterterrorism agents, seized multiple electronic devices, cellphones, laptops, iPads, from a residence that stunned neighbors described as “sparse,” with no beds, just couch cushions they would sleep on, and “barely any furniture,” IBT reported.
According to locals, Lakanwal spoke little English, barely mingled with neighbors, and was ‘often seen playing Call of Duty’ inside his apartment.
The operation also included searches of properties in both Washington state and San Diego, where agents reportedly collected additional digital materials.
The FBI confirmed that this is no longer just a shooting investigation, it is now a full-scale counterterrorism operation, possibly with international angles.
Officials confirmed special interviews have been conducted with Lakanwal’s relatives, including his brother, who is also living in the United States.
Before securing his own residence, Lakanwal and his family, his wife, Khamila, and five young sons, were housed by a Washington State couple who launched a now-deleted GoFundMe campaign.
Hellbound and Down 