Accused Shooter's Background Raises Questions on Afghan Resettlement Program

Fri Dec 05 2025 12:18:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent shooting incident involving an Afghan refugee has sparked renewed debate about the vetting process under Operation Allies Welcome, the program designed to aid Afghan allies after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, is among approximately 76,000 Afghans brought to the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome. While President Biden has expressed commitment to provide refuge to those who aided U.S. forces, critics, including former President Trump, argue the vetting process lacks thoroughness, raising concerns about public safety. Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, but details about his life in the U.S. remain scarce.

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 Afghanistan.

The program, called Operation Allies Welcome, was established to provide safe haven for those who stood alongside U.S. forces during the conflict with the Taliban.

Democratic President Joe Biden has emphasized the nation's obligation to protect those who supported U.S. efforts. However, critics, including Donald Trump, have questioned the adequacy of the vetting process.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe labeled Lakanwal’s presence in the U.S. as a failure of the Biden Administration, stating that individuals like him should not have been allowed entry.

Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA in Kandahar but little is known about his life in the U.S. after being granted asylum in April 2021.

Supporters of Afghan resettlement argue that the actions of one individual should not reflect the experiences of thousands of others who were successfully vetted and resettled.

Amidst the debate, many Afghans have been resettled across the United States, contributing positively to their new communities, hoping for a future of peace and opportunity.