Afghan Zero Unit Veteran Faces Murder Charge After Fatal DC Shooting

A former CIA-backed Afghan commando is charged with murder. Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly shot two U.S. National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The attack occurred on Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station.One soldier died from her injuries. Another remains in critical condition. The incident has ignited a fierce political debate over U.S. refugee vetting.

Struggles with Mental Health and Bureaucracy Preceded Attack

Lakanwal served in an elite Afghan “Zero Unit.” These units worked directly with the CIA. He was evacuated to America in September 2021.He resettled in Bellingham, Washington with his family. According to Rolling Stone, he faced severe post-migration struggles. He reportedly battled depression and felt abandoned.His former unit mate told Rolling Stone about his desperation. Lakanwal could not work due to missing immigration paperwork. He broke down in tears over his inability to support his wife and five sons.He was fired from a laundromat job. Community advocates feared he was suicidal. The Associated Press reported a refugee group visited him in March, but he refused help.

Intense Vetting Contradicts Political Claims of “Zero Screening”

Following the shooting, top officials called it a terrorist attack. They blamed what they called insufficient vetting of Afghan refugees. This narrative conflicts with the known facts of Lakanwal’s background.Zero Unit membership required intense screening. A family member or friend had to recommend candidates. The CIA then conducted its own thorough vetting process.According to reports, these units never suffered an insider attack. Lakanwal was vetted again for a Special Immigrant Visa after the evacuation. This visa is specifically for allies who worked for the U.S. government.The Afghan Zero Unit community is now fearful. Veterans worry this incident will make their lives in America harder. They are bonded by combat and the shared loss of their country.

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The tragedy underscores the complex aftermath of the war in Afghanistan. It highlights gaps in long-term support for at-risk allies. The case of the Afghan veteran shooter will continue to raise difficult questions about responsibility and care.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?

He is a 29-year-old Afghan national charged with murder. He was a member of a CIA-backed Afghan commando force known as a Zero Unit before being evacuated to the U.S. in 2021.

Q2: What happened in the shooting?

Lakanwal allegedly shot two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically wounded.

Q3: What was his motive?

Investigators are still determining a motive. Reporting from Rolling Stone and the AP indicates he struggled with severe mental health issues, financial despair, and felt abandoned by the U.S. government he served.

Q4: Was he properly vetted before entering the U.S.?

Yes. According to reports, he underwent multiple layers of vetting. This included screening by the CIA for unit membership and later for a Special Immigrant Visa, which is for allies who worked directly with the U.S. government.

Q5: How have political leaders reacted?

Some officials have labeled the attack an act of terrorism and criticized refugee vetting. Their claims of “zero vetting” directly contradict the documented, rigorous screening process for Zero Unit veterans.

Q6: What is the “Zero Unit”?

It was an elite Afghan commando force directly funded, trained, and advised by the CIA. Membership was highly coveted and required a stringent recommendation and vetting process.