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Van Hollen: No Evidence Vetting Failed in Case of Afghan Accused in D.C. Shootings

03:46 AM, 12/01/2025
Van Hollen: No Evidence Vetting Failed in Case of Afghan Accused in D.C. Shootings

Sen. Chris Van Hollen says investigators have found no evidence that vetting failed in the case of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. He told ABC's This Week that vetting processes should be reviewed broadly but that there is no sign something "escaped the vetting" here. Officials say the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in 2021 under a Biden-era resettlement program and previously served in a CIA-trained unit; asylum was granted in April under the prior administration. Lawmakers say continued review of vetting and resettlement procedures is warranted.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said on Sunday there is no evidence the Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., was admitted to the United States because of a lapse in vetting procedures.

Speaking on ABC News's This Week, Van Hollen acknowledged that vetting processes should be continually reviewed, but stressed that investigators have not found proof that anything "escaped the vetting" in this case.

"We should always review our vetting," Van Hollen said. "But in this case, there’s no evidence that there was something that escaped the vetting."

Van Hollen referenced remarks from South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has suggested the suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, may have been radicalized after arriving in the United States in 2021 under a Biden-era program to resettle Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the two-decade Afghanistan war.

Authorities say Lakanwal previously served in a CIA-trained strike force in Afghanistan, a role that would have required extensive screening. Officials also note that the most recent vetting before his arrival was conducted under the previous administration, and that he was granted asylum in April by the prior federal administration.

Van Hollen warned that while this particular incident does not appear to reflect a breakdown in the admissions process, lawmakers and federal agencies should continue to examine vetting and resettlement programs to ensure public safety and effective oversight.

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