Full Breakdown
Gold Star Father Criticizes Biden Administration Following National Guard Shooting
11/29/2025, 11:02:54 PM
Incident Overview: Shooting of National Guardsmen
On a recent Wednesday, two National Guardsmen from West Virginia were allegedly ambushed by an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, just blocks from the White House. This incident has drawn significant attention, particularly from Gold Star father Darin "Taylor" Hoover, whose son, Staff Sgt. Darin "Taylor" Hoover, was one of the 13 U.S. service members killed in the Abbey Gate bombing during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The FBI is currently investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism.
Background: Afghan Evacuation and Vetting Concerns
Hoover has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's handling of the evacuation of Afghan nationals during the U.S. withdrawal. He asserts that the administration's failure to adequately vet evacuees has led to dangerous consequences. Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated to resettle Afghan allies following the fall of Kabul. Hoover expressed concerns that many individuals were allowed into the U.S. without proper screening, stating, "We had no idea who Biden put on those planes."
Hoover's Continued Advocacy
Hoover's criticism of the Biden administration has been ongoing since the Abbey Gate attack. He has publicly demanded accountability and has expressed frustration over the administration's lack of acknowledgment regarding the deaths of the service members. In previous statements, he described feeling "rage" when President Biden claimed that no U.S. service members had died under his watch. Hoover has also criticized the administration for sending identical condolence letters to the families of the Abbey Gate victims, which he described as a "canned letter."
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the recent shooting, Hoover stated, "This is on the feckless Biden administration," emphasizing that the incident is a direct result of the administration's vetting failures. Former CIA Director John Ratcliffe echoed Hoover's sentiments, asserting that individuals like Lakanwal "should have never been allowed to come here." Hoover has vowed to continue advocating for answers and accountability until the families of the Abbey Gate victims receive the recognition they deserve.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Biden administration, including Hoover and Ratcliffe, argue that the chaotic evacuation process has led to ongoing security risks within the United States. Hoover's statements reflect a broader concern among Gold Star families regarding the implications of the administration's decisions during the withdrawal.
What's Next: Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the shooting remains active, with federal officials continuing to gather information. Hoover's advocacy is expected to persist as he seeks to hold the administration accountable for what he perceives as ongoing failures related to the evacuation and its aftermath.
