Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, was one of approximately 76,000 Afghan refugees welcomed to the United States after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021. This program, termed Operation Allies Welcome, was initiated to support interpreters, translators, and other Afghan allies at risk from the Taliban's resurgence.
President Joe Biden, overseeing a withdrawal originally set in motion by Donald Trump's administration, emphasized the U.S. moral obligation to offer refuge to those who aided American efforts in the region.
Despite these intentions, concerns have emerged about the vetting of those arriving under the program. Critics, including Trump and his supporters, argue that the vetting process was hasty and flawed, leading to inadequate scrutiny of refugees.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe raised alarms regarding Lakanwal, arguing he should never have been allowed entry into the U.S. due to potential risks posed to American citizens and military personnel.
As investigations unfold, more details about Lakanwal's background have emerged. He allegedly worked with the CIA in Kandahar, a key battleground in Afghanistan where he provided valuable support.
Little is known about Lakanwal's life in the U.S., particularly his reasons for traveling from Bellingham, Washington, to the site of the shooting. He has faced scrutiny regarding his history prior to arriving in America, but organizations supporting Afghan refugees maintain that the actions of one individual should not tarnish the broader community of Afghan allies.
In light of this incident, the Biden administration has vowed to review all Afghan arrivals under Operation Allies Welcome, reiterating its commitment to public safety.
Notably, Lakanwal had received asylum under the Trump administration, demonstrating the complex layers surrounding refugee status and resettlement metrics for thousands of Afghans seeking a safe haven in the U.S.
