A Troubled Journey: The Story of Rahmanullah Lakanwal

The Incident

• Accused: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national
• Victims:
• Sarah Beckstrom: Deceased
• Andrew Wolfe: Serious condition

Background

• Arrival in the U.S.: 2021
• Initial Behavior: Lively, outgoing, enjoyed family and friends
• Behavioral Changes:
• Withdrew and isolated himself
• Took long, unannounced drives
• Spent most of his time in a darkened room

Observations and Concerns

• Volunteer's Observations:
• Suspected PTSD and struggles with adapting to life in the U.S.
• No signs of radicalization
• Struggles with language barriers and cultural isolation
• Lack of Resources:
• Limited organized resources for refugees beyond initial welcome

Military Background

• Service: One of Afghanistan's elite counterterrorism units
• CIA Involvement: Supported by the CIA
• Admission to the U.S.: Due to prior work with the U.S. government

Aftermath

• Trump Administration's Response:
• Froze refugee cases involving Afghan nationals
• Launched a review of refugees and migrants from more than a dozen countries
• Activists' Perspective:
• View Lakanwal's alleged violence as an isolated case
• Emphasize that the vast majority of Afghans in the U.S. are good citizens