Trump Blames Biden’s Afghan Evacuation for DC Shooting, Clashes with Reporter

Former President Donald Trump publicly clashed with a reporter over a question about the Washington D.C. shooting. He was asked why he blamed the Biden administration for the incident. The confrontation occurred during a press engagement this week.

The shooting left two National Guard members critically injured. One of them, Sarah Beckstrom, later died from her wounds. The suspect is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021.

Trump’s Heated Exchange with Reporter

The exchange was tense. A reporter asked Trump about his criticism of the Biden administration’s policies in relation to the shooting. Trump responded with sharp personal criticism.

“Are you stupid?” Trump asked the reporter. He repeated the question for emphasis. He then connected the suspect’s entry to a specific evacuation program.

Trump stated the suspect “came in on a plane along with thousands of other people who shouldn’t be here.” He described the entire situation as a “mess.” According to the Associated Press, the suspect arrived through Operation Allies Welcome.

Scrutiny on Afghan Evacuation Program

Operation Allies Welcome was a large-scale evacuation effort. It was initiated after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The program resettled tens of thousands of Afghans.

The program has been a point of political contention. Supporters argue it provided a vital lifeline to allies at risk from the Taliban. They point to extensive vetting processes for all evacuees.

Critics, including Trump and other Republicans, have long argued the program had security gaps. They claim the vetting was rushed due to the speed of the evacuation. This incident has reignited that debate.

The suspect’s background has added complexity. Reports from sources like the Associated Press indicate he previously worked with U.S. government entities in Afghanistan. A relative claimed he was part of a CIA-backed Afghan army unit.

The political fallout from this tragic event continues to unfold, placing the DC shooting and immigration policies firmly back in the national spotlight.

Info at your fingertips

What is Operation Allies Welcome?

It was a U.S. government program to evacuate and resettle Afghans. This followed the American military withdrawal from the country in 2021. The initiative brought approximately 76,000 people to the United States.

Who is the suspect in the DC shooting?

The suspect is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He entered the U.S. through the Operation Allies Welcome program. He is currently in custody.

What was the outcome of the shooting?

The shooting left two National Guard members in critical condition. One of the victims, Sarah Beckstrom, has since died from her injuries. The incident is under investigation.

How did Trump justify blaming the Biden administration?

Trump connected the suspect’s presence in the U.S. to the evacuation program. He argued that the individuals evacuated “shouldn’t be here.” He described the administration’s handling of the withdrawal as a “mess.”

What has been the defense of the evacuation program?

Supporters state the program involved extensive security vetting. They emphasize it helped Afghans who aided U.S. forces, like interpreters. It was designed to protect them from Taliban reprisals.