A chilling incident in Washington, D.C., has ignited a fierce debate over the classification of a violent attack on American National Guard troops. A young Guardsman lost her life, and another remains critically injured, yet the initial response from some officials was shockingly dismissive.
The attack unfolded on November 26th, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan evacuee, opened fire near the White House. Witnesses reported he shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he discharged a revolver, targeting the soldiers deployed to address escalating crime in the capital. The victims: 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, tragically killed, and 24-year-old SSgt. Andrew Wolfe, fighting for his life.
The circumstances surrounding Lakanwal’s entry into the United States are now under intense scrutiny, directly linked to the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Concerns are mounting regarding the vetting processes for evacuees, raising questions about potential security lapses.
During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, former committee chair Bennie Thompson initially characterized the shooting as an “unfortunate accident” and an “unfortunate situation.” This description sparked immediate outrage, particularly from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who vehemently countered, “Unfortunate accident? It was a terrorist attack. He shot our Guardsmen in the head!”
The exchange revealed a stark disagreement over the fundamental nature of the event. Thompson appeared to deflect blame, focusing on the asylum process, while Noem insisted on recognizing the attack for what it was: a deliberate act of violence against American service members.
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard delivered a scathing rebuke of Thompson’s initial response. She emphasized his seniority and long-standing leadership role in homeland security, questioning his refusal to acknowledge the attack as a terrorist act on American soil.
Gabbard pointed to a broader, deeply troubling pattern of leaders hesitant to confront the reality of Islamist terrorism. She argued that this reluctance hinders effective counterterrorism efforts and endangers national security.
Facing mounting criticism, Thompson later attempted to clarify his remarks on CNN, admitting he “misspoke.” He acknowledged the attack was not an accident, but shifted the focus to the complexities of the asylum system.
Adding another layer of complexity, it has been revealed that Thompson received a pre-emptive pardon from the current administration for his work on a previous committee. This revelation has fueled speculation about potential motivations behind his initial downplaying of the incident.
In response to the shooting, a swift and decisive action has been taken, with a temporary pause placed on Afghan visas and asylum applications. This measure is intended to allow for a comprehensive review of all evacuee vetting procedures, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
