Noem Blames Biden for DC Guard Shooting Despite Trump-Era Asylum

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has sparked controversy by claiming the suspect in the recent National Guard shooting in Washington DC was "radicalized" within the United States, while simultaneously attempting to shift blame to the Biden administration for the incident. The accusation comes despite the fact that the suspect's asylum was approved during Donald Trump's presidency.

The Shooting Incident and Suspect Background

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration. Lakanwal had previously worked with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan before arriving in the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to evacuate Afghan allies following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The shooting resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, as announced by former President Trump. The incident has reignited debates about immigration policy, national security screening processes, and the integration of Afghan refugees who assisted U.S. forces during the two-decade conflict.

Political Finger-Pointing and Timeline Contradictions

Noem's assertions represent a complex political maneuver that attempts to distance the current administration from responsibility while overlooking the timeline of events. The fact that Lakanwal's asylum was approved under Trump's watch creates a significant contradiction in the narrative being promoted by the current Homeland Security leadership.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges facing both Republican and Democratic administrations in managing the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal and the resettlement of Afghan allies. The Operation Allies Welcome program, initiated during the chaotic evacuation of Kabul, processed thousands of Afghans who had worked alongside U.S. forces, intelligence agencies, and diplomatic missions.

Broader Implications for Immigration Policy

The incident raises critical questions about the vetting processes for asylum seekers and refugees, particularly those from conflict zones. While the vast majority of Afghan evacuees have successfully integrated into American communities, isolated incidents like this shooting provide ammunition for critics of current immigration policies.

Noem also criticized what she termed "activist" judges for allegedly defying court orders to halt deportation flights, suggesting a broader crackdown on immigration-related judicial decisions. This rhetoric aligns with the administration's hardline stance on immigration enforcement and reflects ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and the judicial system.

National Security and Radicalization Concerns

The claim of domestic radicalization points to ongoing concerns about homegrown extremism and the potential for individuals to be influenced by radical ideologies after arriving in the United States. However, without detailed information about the suspect's motivations or any evidence of radicalization, such assertions remain speculative and politically charged.

The case underscores the complex challenges facing national security agencies in monitoring and preventing potential threats while balancing civil liberties and due process rights. It also highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for refugees and asylum seekers to facilitate successful integration into American society.