Washington, D.C. — A man connected to a recent shooting incident has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the United States under a special program aimed at securing the safety of Afghan nationals after the military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Lakanwal’s situation has sparked discussions surrounding the vetting of individuals who gained entry to the U.S. during the tumultuous evacuation efforts that followed the fall of Kabul.
Lakanwal entered the United States on September 8, 2021, as part of Operation Allies Welcome, initiated by the Biden administration to provide refuge to vulnerable Afghans. His asylum was reportedly granted in April after a comprehensive vetting process upheld by the previous administration, which sought to ensure that those who qualified for asylum underwent careful scrutiny.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Lakanwal was evacuated by the U.S. military amid the chaotic evacuation of Afghan allies. During this operation, many Afghan nationals, like Lakanwal, were granted humanitarian parole, a temporary status that facilitated their entry amid urgent circumstances.
The State Department reports that over 190,000 Afghans have settled in the U.S. since the fall of Kabul, with many allowed to remain on a temporary basis while awaiting permanent immigration status. More than 40% of these individuals qualified for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) due to their roles in assisting U.S. military efforts or for their affiliations with those who served.
Lakanwal’s background is notable, as he served in NDS-03, a prominent counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan, directly connected with U.S. intelligence and military operations. Initially, he had an SIV application in progress, which bore the approval of the Chief of Mission. However, as the complexities of the immigration system unfolded, he opted to apply for asylum under the Biden administration, with his application ultimately being processed and granted during the Trump administration.
This dual application process underscores the extensive vetting protocols in place. Prior to granting asylum, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted a thorough examination of Lakanwal’s identity, performed biometric checks, and carried out in-person interviews. Each step was designed to evaluate potential risks and ensure eligibility under U.S. immigration law.
Advocacy groups, including AfghanEvac, which aided in the evacuation process, emphasize the necessity of continued support for Afghan evacuees, while also recognizing the challenges that arise in securing their safety and integration. Amid rising concerns surrounding incidents involving recently arrived Afghan nationals, conversations about balance between national security and humanitarian responsibility remain essential.
As investigations unfold concerning the recent shooting incident, the implications of Lakanwal’s resettlement will likely continue to be a focal point of discussion. Authorities and communities are grappling with how best to support displaced individuals while addressing public safety concerns.