WASHINGTON —

The suspect accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House came to the U.S. through a Biden-era program to resettle Afghan nationals called Operation Allies Welcome, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday night.

Former President Joe Biden launched Operation Allies Welcome in August 2021 to protect vulnerable Afghans in the wake of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and as the Taliban regained control of the country.

Noem said the suspect , identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the U.S. on Sept. 8, 2021.

Most Afghans who arrived under Operation Allies Welcome were allowed to enter and remain in the U.S. for two years, with no permanent immigration status. More than 40% of the migrants admitted in the program were

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