Concerns Over Afghan National’s Entry into the U.S.
BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON — The CIA director stated on Thursday that an Afghan suspect linked to the murder of a National Guard soldier and the wounding of another near the White House should have never been permitted to enter the United States.
Rahmanullah Rakanwal was brought to the U.S. four years ago after serving in the Afghan Special Forces Zero, a unit allegedly involved in severe human rights abuses. Following the Taliban takeover, the 29-year-old was provided a $2,000 monthly apartment in Bellingham, Washington, where he reportedly found employment with Amazon, according to neighbors.
“This man, along with others, should not have been allowed entry,” commented CIA Director John Ratcliffe, mentioning Rakanwal’s previous ties to an agency-aligned unit.
“Our citizens deserve better than the ongoing consequences of the failures from this administration,” he added, expressing support for law enforcement personnel.
In reaction to the incident, the Department of Homeland Security announced a review of immigration applications from Afghan nationals, halting processing for the time being. President Trump has also initiated an examination of green card holders from 19 nations deemed concerning.
Rakanwal was reportedly part of Afghanistan’s counterterrorism unit NDS-03, a group of various militias that cooperated with the CIA. He was verified by the CIA and underwent assessments from the National Counterterrorism Center. A U.S. official stated, “He passed all tests.”
In response to how an individual with these credentials could commit such a violent act, Trump remarked, “He’s gone crazy. I mean, he’s crazy.”
A childhood friend indicated that Rakanwal struggled with mental health issues arising from his traumatic experiences in Afghanistan. “Seeing the blood and the wounded… it was too much for him,” the friend recounted.
Rakanwal arrived in the U.S. as part of Operation Welcoming Allies, a program to assist Afghan allies fleeing the Taliban after the withdrawal chaos. Sean Vandiver, head of the organization #AfghanEvac, criticized Rakanwal’s actions as a betrayal to those who helped him, emphasizing that he should face full accountability.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Afghan refugees follows alarming findings related to the review processes for their resettlement, identified in reports by the Department of Homeland Security.
After acquiring asylum in 2021, Rakanwal and his family settled quietly in Bellingham. Neighbors described the area as welcoming and progressive. Rakanwal reportedly lived a low-key life, often playing video games like “Call of Duty” and “FIFA.”
While it remains unclear what his job was most recently, relatives mentioned that he worked as a contractor for Amazon Flex, delivering packages. One family member expressed disbelief at his involvement in the incident, stating, “We were the targets of the Taliban. I can’t believe he would do something like this.”
In December 2024, Rakanwal applied for asylum, which was granted under the Trump administration earlier this year. The tragic shooting incident in D.C. resulted in the death of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, from the West Virginia National Guard, and serious injury to Andrew Wolf, 24.
A third guard managed to subdue Rakanwal using a pocketknife while another resorted to gunfire. Following the incident, federal agents reportedly spent considerable time confiscating evidence from his residence.
Rakanwal faced multiple serious charges for the shootout, with warnings from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro that these charges could intensify due to Beckstrom’s death. Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested that the death penalty might be pursued.
“This situation illustrates the failures of allowing individuals into the country without thorough vetting,” Pirro remarked, emphasizing the attack as a challenge to law and order.
The motive behind the shooting has not yet been disclosed, and in the aftermath, President Trump announced an increase of 500 National Guard troops in D.C. to bolster security amid escalating concerns.
