U.S. Shooting Suspect's Troubled Past Raises Questions About Mental Health and Immigration Policy
A 29-year-old Afghan veteran who is accused of driving a car into two National Guard members near the White House last week, killing one and critically wounding another, was part of a CIA-backed unit that has struggled to adjust to life in the United States.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal's past as a member of "Zero Units," also known as the National Strike Units, is marked by bravery and skill. He was part of an elite group of Afghans who operated under CIA direction and hunted down Taliban commanders in highly dangerous missions. His unit received praise from intelligence officers and military officials for their dedication and loyalty.
However, Lakanwal's experiences since arriving in the United States have been marred by struggle. As one of thousands of Afghan veterans of the Zero Units who lack work permits and uncertain legal status, he faces a precarious existence. Many of these individuals have resorted to desperation, with some even taking their own lives due to the overwhelming sense of helplessness they feel as their requests for immigration assistance are ignored.
The lack of progress on resolving the legal status of Afghan veterans has been criticized by former intelligence officers and military officials, who argue that even the most extensive vetting cannot guarantee that a person will never resort to violence. "Vetting can help mitigate threats, but it doesn’t eliminate threats," said Geeta Bakshi, a former CIA officer who worked in Afghanistan.
The case of Lakanwal highlights the need for more comprehensive support and resources for Afghan veterans who have risked their lives to serve with American forces. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of immigration policies that prioritize the vetting of certain groups over others.
President Donald Trump has called for a full review of all Afghans admitted to the United States, including those who were part of the Zero Units, and a halt to processing any immigration requests from Afghan refugees seeking to resettle in the country. However, Lakanwal's case suggests that even with extensive vetting, there is no guarantee against violent outbursts.
The Biden administration has also faced criticism for its handling of Afghan refugees, particularly those who were part of the Zero Units. While the president has defended his policies as necessary to address a humanitarian crisis, many critics argue that more needs to be done to support these vulnerable individuals and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Congress continues to debate the fate of Afghan veterans like Lakanwal, one thing is clear: their struggles are far from over. Until meaningful action is taken to provide them with the support and resources they need, many will continue to live in a state of uncertainty and desperation.
A 29-year-old Afghan veteran who is accused of driving a car into two National Guard members near the White House last week, killing one and critically wounding another, was part of a CIA-backed unit that has struggled to adjust to life in the United States.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal's past as a member of "Zero Units," also known as the National Strike Units, is marked by bravery and skill. He was part of an elite group of Afghans who operated under CIA direction and hunted down Taliban commanders in highly dangerous missions. His unit received praise from intelligence officers and military officials for their dedication and loyalty.
However, Lakanwal's experiences since arriving in the United States have been marred by struggle. As one of thousands of Afghan veterans of the Zero Units who lack work permits and uncertain legal status, he faces a precarious existence. Many of these individuals have resorted to desperation, with some even taking their own lives due to the overwhelming sense of helplessness they feel as their requests for immigration assistance are ignored.
The lack of progress on resolving the legal status of Afghan veterans has been criticized by former intelligence officers and military officials, who argue that even the most extensive vetting cannot guarantee that a person will never resort to violence. "Vetting can help mitigate threats, but it doesn’t eliminate threats," said Geeta Bakshi, a former CIA officer who worked in Afghanistan.
The case of Lakanwal highlights the need for more comprehensive support and resources for Afghan veterans who have risked their lives to serve with American forces. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of immigration policies that prioritize the vetting of certain groups over others.
President Donald Trump has called for a full review of all Afghans admitted to the United States, including those who were part of the Zero Units, and a halt to processing any immigration requests from Afghan refugees seeking to resettle in the country. However, Lakanwal's case suggests that even with extensive vetting, there is no guarantee against violent outbursts.
The Biden administration has also faced criticism for its handling of Afghan refugees, particularly those who were part of the Zero Units. While the president has defended his policies as necessary to address a humanitarian crisis, many critics argue that more needs to be done to support these vulnerable individuals and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Congress continues to debate the fate of Afghan veterans like Lakanwal, one thing is clear: their struggles are far from over. Until meaningful action is taken to provide them with the support and resources they need, many will continue to live in a state of uncertainty and desperation.
Rahmanullah lakanwal's story is literally heartbreaking he was part of an elite CIA-backed unit & did so much for the usa but now he's struggling 2 adjust 2 life here he doesn't even have a work permit lol imagine having 2 deal w/ that kind of uncertainty & desperation 
it's like they're being abandoned by the system i think we need 2 do more 2 support these guys like provide them w/ resources & mental health services 
or else ppl might just snap 4 good 
. It's just not right that they're struggling with work permits and uncertain legal status, and some even taking their own lives due to feeling helpless 
. We need to do better by providing them with more comprehensive support and resources 
... it's the least we can do after putting our trust in them to serve with us 
.
. I mean, I get that immigration policies are complicated but come on, a full review of all Afghans who served with us? it's like we're asking them to go back in time or something 
. and what about the ones who are already struggling to make ends meet? it's like we're putting them through more hell 
. I wish our government would just take care of these guys, give them a decent place to live and some real support 
.
this guy's past is literally insane - from being part of that super secretive CIA-backed unit to now bein' a threat after comin' back to the US 
it just shows how messed up our system is for people like him... no clear path to citizenship, work permits, or even basic support 
and you got critics sayin' "vetting can't guarantee anything" but what's the alternative? 
. I mean, we're talking about people who risked their lives for our country and then get stuck in limbo 
. Until then, let's keep having these tough conversations and pushing for change 
.
We need to do better than just vetting people and hoping they won't snap - we gotta provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive in our society. And can we please talk about how messed up it is that he has to live in fear of deportation while he's still dealing with PTSD? It's just not right 
We need to do better, you know? More support, more resources, more empathy... these guys have been through hell and back for us, the least we can do is help them out a bit. 
And what about his fam? Do they get any help too? 
. But at the same time, we can't just leave these guys high and dry - they've already given so much for us 
meanwhile we're over here makin a whole mess of immigration policy without even considerin the long-term effects on these veterans 
