The man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House is among around 76,000 Afghans relocated to the United States following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, is now at the center of a heated political debate about the vetting processes for Afghan refugees.
Operation Allies Welcome was established after the U.S. withdrawal in 2021 to provide safe havens for former allies of American forces. President Biden stated it was a moral obligation to provide refuge to those who aided in the fight against the Taliban. However, critics, including former President Trump, argue that the refugee screening process was insufficiently rigorous, akin to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
On December 10, CIA Director John Ratcliffe criticized the Biden administration, insisting that many refugees should never have been allowed to enter the U.S. following this incident. This incident has intensified calls from some political leaders for stricter scrutiny of all refugees admitted under these programs.
Details regarding Lakanwal's activities in the United States remain sparse, but he has reportedly embraced his new life with his family in Bellingham, Washington, prior to the shooting incident.
Furthermore, advocates for Afghan resettlement have cautioned against blaming the actions of one individual for the broader experiences of many who successfully integrated and contributed to society. Support organizations have noted that resettlement, while challenging, has allowed tens of thousands of Afghans to find stability and safety in the U.S.
As political divisions deepen regarding the future of refugee programs, leaders on all sides continue to call for actions that ensure the safety of American citizens while considering the complex realities faced by those fleeing violence and oppression.
