Shooting Incident Involving Afghan Refugee Raises Concerns Over Resettlement Program

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:48:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent shooting of National Guard members by an Afghan refugee has ignited a debate over the vetting process of refugees brought to the United States post-Afghanistan withdrawal, emphasizing the contrasting perspectives on national security and humanitarian efforts.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan refugee accused of shooting National Guard members in Washington, highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness of the Operation Allies Welcome program that resettled roughly 76,000 Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Critics, including former President Trump, question the vetting processes and potential risks of admitting refugees without sufficient scrutiny. Proponents argue that the actions of a single individual should not tarnish the reputations of thousands who followed legal pathways to resettlement.

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 after the 2021 decision to leave Afghanistan following 20 years of American intervention and billions of dollars of aid.

Democratic President Joe Biden stated that the U.S. owed it to the interpreters and translators, the fighters and drivers and others who opposed the Taliban to give them a safe haven outside of Afghanistan. However, many Republicans, including Trump, argued that the refugees were inadequately vetted in a resettlement process they described as chaotic and poorly executed.

Noticeably, CIA Director John Ratcliffe commented on the situation, expressing that incidents like this should not happen, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vetting of individuals entering the U.S.

Accused Shooter's Background and Role in Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the individual accused of the shooting, reportedly worked with the CIA in Kandahar but little is known about his activities in the U.S. since resettling. He was granted asylum under the Trump administration, a process that included extensive background checks and risk assessments, according to the organization #AfghanEvac.

Community Response

Resettlement groups have urged against attributing the actions of one individual to the greater refugee population, maintaining that the resettlement program is vital for numerous individuals seeking safety and stability.

After the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan, many refugees found temporary homes at U.S. military bases before being moved to various communities across the country, promoting successful integration into American society.

Political Fallout

Trump's administration previously placed heavy restrictions on refugee resettlement, leading to challenges for many organizations working to provide assistance to those in need. This incident has reignited the debate on refugee policy in America, with both sides urging caution and diligence moving forward.

I believe that now we can live in a 100% peaceful environment, said Mohammad Saboor, an Afghan resettled in California, highlighting the aspirations many refugees share despite recent events.