Accused Shooter in D.C. Worked with CIA in Afghanistan

An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. Lakanwal, who had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, arrived in the United States following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country in August 2021. He was among approximately 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. under a program designed to assist those who had aided American efforts in Afghanistan.

Operation Allies Welcome was initiated after the U.S. military’s withdrawal, aiming to provide refuge to interpreters, drivers, and other personnel who supported U.S. operations. President Joe Biden, who oversaw the withdrawal, emphasized the obligation to protect those who had risked their lives against the Taliban. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have raised concerns regarding the vetting process for refugees, claiming it was poorly organized.

In a statement, CIA Director John Ratcliffe expressed dissatisfaction with the situation. He stated, “This individual — and so many others — should have never been allowed to come here. Our citizens and servicemembers deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden Administration’s catastrophic failures.”

Lakanwal reportedly worked with the CIA as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, a region known for its fierce battles between the Taliban and NATO forces following the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. The details of his specific role with the CIA have not been disclosed.

Little information is available regarding Lakanwal’s four years in the U.S. or the circumstances that led to his alleged actions. He had lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Lakanwal was granted asylum in April 2021 under the Trump administration. According to the advocacy group #AfghanEvac, he underwent extensive background checks, including fingerprinting and iris scans.

The actions of Lakanwal have drawn criticism from various groups advocating for the resettlement of Afghans. They argue that one individual’s actions should not reflect negatively on the thousands who have successfully navigated the resettlement process. Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, stated, “I don’t want people to leverage this tragedy into a political ploy.”

Since the U.S. withdrawal, many Afghans seeking resettlement have been placed in temporary accommodations at military bases such as Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, and Fort Bliss in Texas. After thorough health screenings and background checks, many have settled in established Afghan communities, particularly in northern Virginia, California, and Texas. Other states, including Arizona, New York, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, have also welcomed between 1,000 and 3,000 Afghan refugees.

Since taking office in January 2017, Trump had implemented an executive order halting federal funding for resettlement agencies, complicating the process of providing essential services to refugees. Following the recent shooting, he reiterated his stance on reviewing all Afghan refugees admitted under Operation Allies Welcome. Trump stated, “If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” labeling the shooting a crime against the nation.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees in the U.S., as well as the complexities surrounding their resettlement amidst political discourse. One Afghan refugee, Mohammad Saboor, who worked with international forces for 17 years, expressed hope for a peaceful future. He stated his desire to contribute positively to his new community, emphasizing the aspiration for a better life for his seven children.

As the investigation into the shooting continues, the focus remains on balancing national security concerns with the humanitarian obligation to protect those who supported U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.