Afghan Immigrant Accused in White House Area Shooting Was Radicalized Post-Arrival, Sparks Vetting Debate
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is accused of a White House area shooting, killing one National Guard member. Radicalized post-2021 U.S. entry, his case fuels a political vetting debate.
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CNNWho is National Guard shooting suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal? | Politics
Overview
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan immigrant, is the suspect in a November 26 shooting near the White House, which resulted in one National Guard member's death and another's critical injury.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that Lakanwal was likely radicalized after his arrival in the U.S. in 2021, prompting scrutiny of immigration vetting procedures.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program for evacuating Afghan allies, adding a layer to the political discussion.
Despite his 2021 entry under a Biden initiative, Lakanwal's asylum was granted by the Trump administration in April, a detail now central to the ongoing political debate.
Trump officials have criticized the Biden administration's vetting of Lakanwal post-shooting, even as the Trump administration itself granted his asylum and has since paused all asylum cases.
Analysis
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