A group of Green Berets is calling for justice after one of their Afghan allies was killed in a senseless shooting in Houston. Abdul Rahman Waziri, a 31-year-old father of two, had previously fought against terrorists in Afghanistan and had immigrated to the U.S. in 2021.
He tragically lost his life last month during a dispute over parking at an apartment complex. Green Beret Ben Hoffman expressed his heartbreak, describing Waziri as a warrior and a hero who was willing to dedicate his life for the safety of Americans.
Hoffman, along with other veterans who served alongside Waziri, feels frustrated and disheartened by the lack of justice following his death. The incident escalated when the shooter, after an altercation, returned to his vehicle. A lawyer for Waziri’s family noted that Waziri raised his hands and said, “Don’t shoot” before being fatally shot multiple times.
Surveillance footage from the scene shows the gunman leaving casually after the shooting, holding a bag of McDonald’s. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The Harris County District Attorney’s office has decided not to file charges against the shooter, who reportedly confessed. This decision has incited anger among Waziri’s family and Houston’s Afghan community.
Kawaja, the family’s attorney, hopes that the right decision will eventually be reached regarding potential charges. The suspect, who remains unnamed, had contacted the police himself and was questioned before being released, further fueling frustrations.
Hoffman expressed his outrage at the senselessness of the situation, saying that it infuriates him to see someone so brave, someone who fought against the Taliban, meet such a tragic end. He emphasized that while he feels anger, retaliation isn’t in line with what Waziri would have wanted, as he was fundamentally a peacemaker.
Another Army veteran, identifying himself only as Jay for safety reasons, shared his disbelief over the irony of Waziri escaping the Taliban only to be shot in the U.S. He conveyed his conviction that justice is essential for Wasi’s untimely death.
Waziri’s brother, Abdullah Khan, also a member of the mine removal team, recalled the dangers they navigated daily alongside American forces. He shared the harrowing detail of how Waziri had to leave his family behind during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Kabul in August 2021 and only made it to the U.S. just hours before a deadly bombing at the airport.
Sadly, Waziri’s wife, now a widow, has taken their two young daughters to stay in Florida due to fears for their safety in Houston. Despite the chaos surrounding their departure from Afghanistan, Waziri played a crucial role in aiding his fellow countrymen during the withdrawal process by facilitating safe passages and safeguarding critical information.
A member of the evacuation team recounted the constant danger they faced from the Taliban, highlighting Waziri’s determination to help others at great personal risk. He stated that the injustice of such a brave life ending violently represents a significant tragedy.
Vince Leiba, a former Green Beret, commended Waziri’s contributions and expressed disappointment over his untimely death after all he had endured in service. Leiba has penned a letter advocating for justice for Waziri, aimed at local authorities.
In conclusion, Leiba emphasizes the need for an investigation, urging that Waziri’s family deserves peace and justice for the debts owed to those who supported the U.S. during an extended conflict in Afghanistan. The Houston Mayor’s office, police, and district attorney’s office have yet to respond to requests for comment on the case.
