By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national and former member of a CIA-backed unit, is accused of shooting two National Guard members near Washington, D.C. The alleged attack occurred after Lakanwal struggled with mental health issues, financial hardship, and a perceived lack of support from the U.S. government. Having served with the CIA in Afghanistan and resettled in the United States, Lakanwal faced difficulties finding employment and accessing immigration services. Despite undergoing extensive vetting, he was reportedly experiencing isolation and sought help from a CIA program for veterans, though his requests appear to have been ignored.
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The core of this tragedy, as seen through the lens of a fellow unit member, is a heartbreaking story of abandonment. The alleged D.C. shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a veteran of the CIA-backed Zero Units in Afghanistan, reportedly felt utterly forsaken by the very organization he served with such dedication. The narrative paints a picture of a man struggling to adapt to life in America, battling mental health issues, and facing crushing financial pressures, all while his pleas for assistance went unanswered by the CIA.
This fellow unit member, who fought alongside Lakanwal for years, reveals that Lakanwal reached out to a CIA program designed to assist Zero Unit veterans with immigration issues, seeking help navigating the complexities of his new life. The evidence suggests that despite numerous attempts, his messages for assistance were met with silence, and his final post in a group chat was even deleted by the administrator. This perceived lack of support from the agency that had depended on him for years seems to have been a significant factor in his mental state.
The ramifications of this perceived abandonment are profound. The unit member emphasizes the deep sense of betrayal felt by these Afghan veterans, who risked their lives to assist the United States and are now struggling to survive in a country that largely doesn’t trust them. Lakanwal’s case is not an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a larger problem where those who aided the U.S. in the war are left to fend for themselves, facing systemic challenges like securing employment and navigating a new culture without adequate support. This is highlighted by the fact that Lakanwal, despite being approved for asylum and authorized to work, was fired from a job due to lacking a work authorization card.
The unit member underscores that this situation does not excuse Lakanwal’s actions, but it does provide vital context. The narrative stresses that the financial and emotional burdens, coupled with the lack of institutional support, likely contributed to a breaking point. The feeling of being “broken” by the system is palpable. The narrative also mentions that the former unit mate believes the shooter felt the Trump administration was out to hurt them, and that they may have felt betrayed by the government.
The Rolling Stone article included, but is not limited to, the following details: Lakanwal’s lack of English skills, the need for employment in a larger community, and the assault he suffered, all contributed to his feeling of isolation. His former unit mate further stated Lakanwal’s desperation was so severe that he broke down in tears when discussing his inability to afford rent or food. The narrative illustrates a profound sense of despair, making it clear that Lakanwal’s actions occurred in the context of these struggles.
Furthermore, the article in Rolling Stone, quotes another Zero Unit member, describing how Lakanwal’s actions have had a negative impact on the Afghan community in the U.S. The narrative highlights the fact that the Zero Unit soldiers felt like attacking American servicemembers was against their code and are now worried Lakanwal’s actions will make it harder for them to live in the U.S.
The article highlights a broader critique of U.S. foreign policy, pointing to a historical pattern of abandoning allies once they are no longer useful. The experiences of Lakanwal and other Zero Unit veterans exemplify the consequences of this pattern, where the promises made to those who served alongside American forces are ultimately broken, leaving them vulnerable and forgotten. This sentiment reflects a deeper societal issue: the failure to provide adequate support for veterans, particularly those who have served in foreign conflicts.
In addition, it seems that the official response, as it appeared in the Rolling Stone article, made the situation worse. The former unit member says that the CIA representative in the text chat claimed it was a wrong number when the unit mate asked for help for Lakanwal. This highlights a callous disregard for the well-being of a man who served with loyalty and dedication. The narrative also notes the Trump administration’s comments, with an Afghan veteran expressing their disappointment and anguish.
The unit member’s account serves as a potent reminder of the human cost of these policies. The article points to an alleged administration that may have had a hand in contributing to the tragedy. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for veterans and for a reevaluation of foreign policy decisions that have left so many individuals vulnerable and abandoned. The shooter’s story, while not excusable, is a tragic consequence of this failure.