Story perspectives

Afghan Asylum Seeker Shoots Soldiers, Sparks Community Fears

11/28/2025

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Center

Lakanwal's Shooting Incident

A shooting in Washington, D.C., by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, left two National Guard soldiers wounded and one dead.
Lakanwal had been vetted and granted asylum.
He previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit.
Refugee groups fear backlash against Afghan communities and say Afghans feel unsafe and vulnerable to xenophobia.
Advocates call for accountability for the victims and urge that one individual's actions not tarnish entire communities.

Right

Mayer Blames Trump

The shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., sparked controversy.
Jane Mayer, a New Yorker writer, faced backlash for suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump bore responsibility.
The White House condemned Mayer's remarks as disgraceful.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier criticized Mayer for blaming the victims.
MS NOW correspondent Ken Dilanian was criticized for linking the shooting to broader controversies about uniformed personnel.

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Lakanwal's Shooting Incident

A shooting in Washington, D.C., by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, left two National Guard soldiers wounded and one dead.
Lakanwal had been vetted and granted asylum.
He previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit.
Refugee groups fear backlash against Afghan communities and say Afghans feel unsafe and vulnerable to xenophobia.
Advocates call for accountability for the victims and urge that one individual's actions not tarnish entire communities.

1 / 2