A shocking revelation has emerged in the aftermath of the National Guard shooting incident in Washington, D.C. The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has a deeply intertwined history with U.S. counterterrorism efforts. Here's a closer look at the story that has left many questioning the vetting process and the role of the CIA.
The Elite Counterterrorism Connection
Lakanwal, who is accused of shooting two National Guard members, was previously a member of one of Afghanistan's most elite counterterrorism units, according to AfghanEvac, a nonprofit organization run by U.S. veterans and individuals with a history of service in Afghanistan. This unit, known as NDS-03, operated under the direct guidance and support of the CIA and was instrumental in fighting the Taliban on behalf of the U.S. government.
CIA's Role and Vetting Process
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal's entry into the U.S. was facilitated due to his prior work with the U.S. Government, including the CIA. The nonprofit AfghanEvac, which works closely with Afghans who assisted the U.S., believes Lakanwal underwent multiple vetting processes during his journey to the United States.
Evacuation and Asylum
Lakanwal was evacuated by the U.S. military in August 2021, following the fall of Kabul. He arrived in the U.S. under humanitarian parole, a temporary measure used to evacuate Afghans with special immigrant visas and those who worked with the U.S. and faced risks from the Taliban. Interestingly, Lakanwal applied for asylum during the Biden administration and was granted asylum in 2025, under the Trump administration.
Investigation Focus and Controversial Claims
FBI Director Kash Patel, during a press conference, highlighted that Lakanwal's relationship with U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan would be a key focus of the investigation. Patel also made controversial claims, stating that Lakanwal was allowed into the U.S. by the Biden administration without proper vetting, blaming a failure to vet this individual and others like him. However, Patel's claims lack evidence.
Vetting Processes and Asylum
Lakanwal had an active special immigrant visa (SIV) application, which is given to individuals who worked with the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. He had received chief of mission approval, a mandatory step for the SIV process, but had not yet been granted lawful permanent residence or a green card. AfghanEvac emphasizes that both the SIV and asylum applications would have undergone rigorous review and vetting by the U.S. government, including the CIA.
Premature Conclusions?
Shawn VanDiver, the founder of AfghanEvac and a Navy veteran, cautions against jumping to conclusions. He believes it's too early to determine whether Lakanwal warranted more scrutiny. VanDiver highlights the importance of not painting the entire Afghan community with the same brush, as the majority are upstanding citizens.
Vetting for Asylum
The asylum vetting process includes identity and background checks, biometric vetting, in-person interviews, and an assessment of individualized risk and eligibility under U.S. law. Those granted asylum can apply for a green card after one year.
Afghan Community's Response
AfghanEvac released a statement emphasizing that the violent act does not reflect the Afghan community, which continues to make significant contributions across the United States. The organization highlights that Afghans undergo some of the most extensive vetting processes of any immigrant population.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing. With the investigation ongoing, one can't help but wonder: Was there a failure in the vetting process? And if so, what does that mean for future immigration and security protocols? These are questions that demand our attention and thoughtful discussion. What are your thoughts on this complex issue? Feel free to share your insights and opinions in the comments below.
