Afghan communities across the United States have denounced the “heartbreaking” shooting in Washington DC, emphasizing that the suspect—an Afghan man who arrived in the country four years ago—does not reflect their values or identity. Many noted that tens of thousands of Afghans came to America under special protection programs following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The accused gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, reportedly entered the U.S. through a pathway designed for Afghans who assisted American forces during and after the end of the troop presence in Afghanistan. His case has drawn intense attention due to the nature of the program he used to resettle in the country.
The attack claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, while another service member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. The incident has sparked grief, anger, and renewed debate over immigration vetting and support systems for resettled individuals.
In the aftermath, President Donald Trump has ordered an immediate freeze on all Afghan immigration applications, initiated a review of green cards issued to people from 19 nations, and signaled a broader crackdown on migrants from what he describes as “third-world countries.” His response has drawn strong reactions from advocates and Afghan community leaders.
The Afghan Community Coalition of the United States expressed condolences to the victims’ families while urging the government not to halt or slow Afghan immigration processing. They called for a full and fair investigation and reminded leaders that two decades of cooperation between Afghans and the United States should not be overshadowed by a single violent act.
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