Tensions Rise After Shooting Incident Involving Afghan Refugee in Washington

Thu Dec 04 2025 21:57:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent shooting incident involving an Afghan refugee has triggered major discussions around the vetting process of refugees brought to the U.S. amid chaotic withdrawals from Afghanistan. The accused, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, worked with CIA forces in Kandahar before resettling in Bellingham, Washington.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, is among 76,000 Afghans resettled in the U.S. post the Taliban takeover. Concerns grow over the vetting processes that allowed him entry, with criticism from both Republican and Democratic leaders focusing on the implications for national security. Lakanwal's background includes work with the CIA during the Afghanistan conflict, but little is known about his life in the U.S. since arriving in April under the Trump administration's resettlement initiatives.

The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington is one of about 76,000 Afghans brought to the United States after the chaotic withdrawal of the U.S. from their country as the Taliban took over, authorities said.

The program, called Operation Allies Welcome, was created following the 2021 decision to leave Afghanistan after 20 years of American intervention.

The accused shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, reportedly worked with the CIA in Kandahar as part of a partner force. This region saw fierce fighting between the Taliban and NATO forces following the U.S.-led invasion in 2001.

Little is known about Lakanwal’s four years in the U.S. or why he drove across the country, leading to serious questions about the vetting processes that allowed his resettlement.

Following the shooting, both President Biden and former President Trump have commented on national security concerns, urging a review of the refugee vetting practices.

Lakanwal's asylum was granted amid a wave of refugees from Afghanistan, with advocates stressing that incidents involving individuals should not reflect poorly on the thousands of others who have resettled legally. The ongoing fallout from this incident highlights the complexities surrounding national security and refugee policies in the U.S.