Afghan National’s Betrayal Sparks Fear Among U.S. Residents

Rahmanullah Lakamal, an Afghan national involved in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., has been accused of betraying those who helped him, according to Shawn VanDiver, founder and president of AfghanEvac. VanDiver stated that Lakamal “betrayed his family. He betrayed every American that helped him get here,” adding that he also “betrayed the United States government” and deserved to be held accountable.

The incident occurred after Lakamal, 29, was brought to the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome in September 2021. He shot two National Guard members, with Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dying and Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, remaining in critical condition. Lakamal worked with the CIA “as a member of a partner force in Kandahar,” according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, though he did not specify his exact role.

Lakamal was granted asylum under the Trump administration, requiring him to undergo fingerprinting and iris scans, a full background check, interview, and risk assessment through AfghanEvac. VanDiver noted that many Afghans in the U.S. are afraid to leave their homes, fearing being swept up by immigration officials or facing hate speech. “It’s insane,” he said, emphasizing that “he doesn’t represent all Afghans. He represents himself.”

U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently tightened vetting rules, imposing new restrictions on immigrants. The case follows a broader context of concerns about the resettlement process for Afghan nationals who aided U.S. forces.

The article highlights the complex implications of Lakamal’s actions, with VanDiver advocating for accountability while addressing fears among Afghans in America.