Deadly Washington, D.C. shooting by Afghan refugee sparks security and asylum debates
A shooting in Washington, D.C. has left one National Guard soldier dead and another critically injured. The suspect, 29-year-old Afghan refugee Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire before being detained. The incident has sparked concerns among refugee communities about potential backlash.
Lakanwal, who had been granted asylum in the U.S. earlier this year, travelled from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack. Before emigrating, he had served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit. His vetting process was described as thorough, yet the incident has raised questions about security protocols.
Two soldiers were struck in the shooting: Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, later died from her injuries, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in hospital in critical condition. Following the attack, former President Trump announced a review of all Afghan arrivals under the Biden administration. German authorities also indicated that the BAMF would re-examine asylum cases linked to the same period.
Refugee advocates, including Ambassador Ashraf Haidari and Matthew Soerens, have warned against blaming entire communities for one individual’s actions. Meanwhile, many Afghans in the U.S. now fear leaving their homes, worried about immigration checks or hate-fuelled confrontations.
The shooting has intensified scrutiny of Afghan refugees in both the U.S. and Europe. Officials are reviewing asylum procedures, while refugee groups stress the risk of unfair generalisations. For now, investigations into Lakanwal’s motives and background continue.
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