Afghan immigrant became radicalized in the US prior to National Guard assault in DC, says Noem.

Afghan Immigrant Suspected in D.C. Shooting Radicalized After Arrival

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on Sunday that officials believe the Afghan immigrant accused of a recent attack on National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., became radicalized after coming to the U.S.

Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Rakanwar, 29, who is linked to a mass shooting near the White House that occurred last Wednesday, resulting in one National Guard member’s death and another’s serious injury.

“We think he became more radicalized after arriving in this country,” Noem told NBC News. “It seems connected to his relationships back home, and we will keep communicating with those in his circle, including family members.”

She added that U.S. officials have started receiving “some cooperation” from those familiar with Rakanwar.

Background on the Suspect

Rakanwar legally entered the U.S. in 2021 through the Biden administration’s Operation Welcoming Allies, which aimed to evacuate Afghan refugees as the Taliban regained control.

Noem mentioned that although Rakanwar was granted asylum in April during Trump’s presidency, the vetting was handled by the Biden administration. She criticized former President Biden for insufficient vetting of Afghan arrivals during his term.

Concerns Over Vetting Process

“When the situation in Afghanistan deteriorated, the Biden administration evacuated individuals without proper vetting,” Noem expressed. “They claimed they’d carry out vetting afterward, but that did not happen.”

She insisted that all relevant vetting information was gathered by Biden’s administration and emphasized a failure in the vetting process. “There was no thorough vetting done,” she asserted.

Noem cited steps taken by President Trump to enhance immigration screenings, such as assessing social media activity and probing interactions with others.

Future Immigration Policy Changes

Following the attack on Thanksgiving eve, Trump announced his administration’s plans to impose stricter limitations on immigrants entering the United States, including the suspension of immigration from countries he referred to as “Third World”.