Story perspectives

Biden Administration Backs Afghan Accused of Murdering Soldier

1/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Biden administration endorsed Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan accused of murdering National Guard Specialist Sarah Bekstrom, saying he posed "no threat."
Senator Charles Grassley revealed the endorsement in a Kabul Annex letter praising Lakanwal's U.S. service during the Afghanistan war.
Grassley has raised concerns about the administration's vetting for Lakanwal and two other Afghans.
The State Department has suspended Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, with possible exceptions.

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Story summary

The Biden administration endorsed Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan accused of murdering National Guard Specialist Sarah Bekstrom, saying he posed "no threat."
Senator Charles Grassley revealed the endorsement in a Kabul Annex letter praising Lakanwal's U.S. service during the Afghanistan war.
Grassley has raised concerns about the administration's vetting for Lakanwal and two other Afghans.
The State Department has suspended Afghan Special Immigrant Visas, with possible exceptions.