Afghan Community in the US Responds to Tragic DC Shooting

Fri Dec 05 2025 12:19:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a recent tragic shooting incident in Washington DC, members of the Afghan community in the US have rallied for understanding and support. They stress the need for comprehensive investigations while distancing themselves from the suspected gunman, an Afghan immigrant.

In the wake of a deadly shooting in Washington DC that claimed the life of a National Guard member, Afghans living in the United States have condemned the act and urged for recognition that the actions of one individual do not represent their community. The suspected shooter, who came to the US after aiding American forces in Afghanistan, has sparked a political reaction, including a halt on immigration processing by former President Trump. The Afghan Community Coalition of the US called for support for Afghan immigrants and expressed condolences for the victims, highlighting their contributions to society.

Afghans living in the US have condemned Wednesday's deeply tragic deadly shooting attack in Washington DC, while stressing that the suspect - who moved to the US from Afghanistan four years ago - does not represent them. The alleged gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered America under a programme that offered special immigration protections to Afghans who worked with the US in the wake of its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in Wednesday's shooting, and a colleague, Andrew Wolfe, 24, is said to be fighting for his life. The Afghan Community Coalition of United States expressed its sympathy for the families of the victims, calling for a comprehensive investigation but urging the US government not to delay or suspend Afghan immigration claims. They emphasized the importance of not forgetting the 20 years of partnership between Afghanistan and the US, initiated to overthrow Taliban rule in 2001.

Afghans living in America expressed horror at the attack and emphasized it was the act of just one person. Many spoke anonymously out of fear of retaliation by the Taliban. Comments from Afghan immigrants stressed that the shooting should be seen as an individual crime, not reflective of the community as a whole. With many Afghans having fled their home country during the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021, the political fallout from this incident raises fears amid an already precarious situation for Afghan immigrants in the US.