Full Breakdown
Silence from Biden Officials Following National Guard Shooting Raises Vetting Concerns
12/16/2025, 1:34:58 AM
Overview of the Incident
The recent shooting incident involving a member of the West Virginia National Guard has reignited scrutiny over the vetting procedures of "Operation Allies Welcome," the Afghan resettlement program. The attack, which occurred on Thanksgiving Eve, resulted in the death of one Guardsman and left another severely injured. This tragic event has prompted questions about the effectiveness of the vetting processes used to allow Afghan evacuees into the United States.
Key Figures and Responses
Following the shooting, inquiries were made to several former Biden administration officials involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal and refugee resettlement. Notably, requests for comments from former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley went unanswered. Milley had previously recommended maintaining a small troop presence in Afghanistan, which was not acted upon.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed frustration over the characterization of the shooting as an "unfortunate accident" by House Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. This incident has led to renewed calls from Senate Republicans for a review of the vetting processes for Afghan evacuees.
Official Statements and Responses
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services administrator Joe Edlow announced a review of the green card system in light of the shooting, specifically referencing the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. However, his predecessor, Ur Jaddou, did not respond to requests for comment. Additionally, attempts to reach former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other key figures involved in the Afghan withdrawal yielded no responses.
Tracey Jacobson, who led the Afghanistan coordination task force during the withdrawal, also did not respond to inquiries. Jacobson's task force was responsible for processing and relocating Afghan allies, raising further questions about the adequacy of the vetting procedures employed.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have voiced concerns regarding the Biden administration's handling of the Afghan resettlement program, particularly in light of the shooting incident. The lack of responses from key officials has led to speculation about their confidence in the vetting processes. Some lawmakers are advocating for stricter vetting measures for Afghan evacuees to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There is a notable absence of responses from several high-ranking officials connected to the Afghanistan withdrawal, which has left gaps in understanding the administration's stance on the vetting processes. While some officials have been reached for comment, many have not, leading to a lack of clarity regarding the administration's accountability and future actions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He replied that the "strategic call President Biden made, looking back three years, history has judged well and will continue to judge well.” — Jacob Sullivan, National Security Adviser
The silence from key figures in the Biden administration following the National Guard shooting underscores the ongoing debate regarding the vetting of Afghan refugees and the implications for national security.
