A video featuring Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr (R), who is currently campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat, has resurfaced following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. In this event, an Afghan national, who entered the U.S. illegally after being admitted through President Biden’s Operation Welcoming Allies, allegedly shot two National Guard soldiers, resulting in one death.
Barr remarked in the clip:
“We have failed in our duty to help the many Afghans who risked their lives and, in many cases, died for their country’s cause in our assistance to the United States. I voted for these special immigrant visas because they send a terrible message to our allies around the world that if you help us in our time of need, we will abandon you.”
The video reappeared just two days later, on November 26th. Rahmanullah Rakanwar, a 29-year-old Afghan, is accused of opening fire on two West Virginia National Guard soldiers, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and serious injuries to Andrew Wolfe.
It has been reported that Rakanwar shouted “Allah Akbar” while attacking, having also disarmed a security guard during the incident. Authorities confirmed he had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.
The attack has led to a reassessment of the refugee and visa policies established under the Biden administration, especially regarding how Afghan nationals are vetted. Past reports from inspectors and whistleblowers had raised significant security concerns for individuals processed through Operation Welcome Allies. Following the incident, President Trump issued an order for a thorough screening of Afghan nationals entering the U.S. and halted processing entry applications from Afghan nationals until updated procedures are in place.
Barr’s stance on immigration has faced criticism, particularly highlighted by the emergence of the Afghan visa video shortly after the D.C. shootings, intensifying debates in Kentucky’s Senate primary. Nate Morris, a notable businessman and candidate, has directed his campaign to contrast his views with Barr’s immigration history, emphasizing previous amnesty actions and support for guest worker visas as stark differences.
Morris has criticized Barr as a “Mitch McConnell replacement,” suggesting that Barr’s views on immigration clash with those of Republican voters and compromise national security. He pointed to Barr’s long-term support for foreign visa programs, including his past votes favoring DACA pardons and expanding guest worker programs. Morris has also likened Barr’s rhetoric to that of Hillary Clinton, branding opponents of amnesty and immigration program expansions as “immigrant nativists.” Barr has used this term in discussions to describe those who wish to limit illegal immigration and certain legal visa options.
Recent national polls indicate strong favor among Republican voters for immigration restrictions, with many perceiving mass immigration as a significant threat. Following the D.C. shootings, candidates like Morris and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey have called for an in-depth investigation into the resettlement of Afghans under Operation Welcome Allies.
Morrissey has initiated an immediate review to locate and assess all Afghan nationals admitted during the Biden era, describing the shootings as a “deeply disturbing” tragedy warranting a thorough investigation. Multiple sources within federal law enforcement reported that Rakanwar was in the U.S. illegally, as his residence permit under Operation Welcoming Allies had expired in September 2025.
