A Closer Look at the National Guard Shooting Suspect's Background

A recent incident in Washington, D.C., has ignited a debate about the vetting process for individuals granted asylum in the United States.

The Incident

• Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national
• Accusation: Shooting two National Guard members
• Background: Worked with the CIA during the U.S. war in Afghanistan
• Arrival: Came to the U.S. after the Taliban took control in 2021
• Asylum Granted: April 2024

Political Reactions

Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem

• Claim: Lakanwal might have been radicalized after arrival
• Criticism: Vetting process under the Biden administration was not thorough
• Argument: Information used for vetting was collected during the Biden administration

John Cohen, Former Homeland Security Undersecretary for Intelligence

• Contest: Individuals under Operation Allies Welcome were vetted against both classified and unclassified intelligence
• Acknowledgment: Some delays occurred, but extensive vetting took place at processing locations

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen

• Criticism: Trump administration's decision to pause all asylum decisions following the shooting
• Argument: Unfair to punish an entire class of people for the actions of one individual
• Emphasis: These individuals had worked alongside the U.S. in the fight against the Taliban and could face severe consequences if sent back

Key Questions Raised

• Effectiveness of the vetting process
• Potential for radicalization after arrival
• Political divide on immigration policies and treatment of asylum seekers