West Virginia Mourns National Guard Shooting Victim as Officials Critique Afghanistan Withdrawal

West Virginia Mourns National Guard Shooting Victim as Officials Critique Afghanistan Withdrawal

EXCLUSIVE: The tragic shooting incident on the eve of Thanksgiving has left one West Virginia National Guard member dead and another in critical condition. This tragic event has sparked outrage among state officials in Charleston, who have pointed to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 as a contributing factor. The state is mourning collectively as it grapples with this heartbreaking loss.

The suspect, identified as Rahmahullah Lakanwal, formerly collaborated with a CIA-operated unit that fought alongside U.S. forces against the Taliban. Reports indicate he played a role in evacuating individuals during the chaotic fall of Kabul under President Joe Biden.

Josh Holstein, Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, expressed his deep anger upon hearing the news. His devastation was compounded by the death of Sarah Beckstrom from Summersville, West Virginia, whose injuries from the shooting proved fatal, while Andrew Wolfe from Inwood remains critical.

Alleged DC Shooter’s Background Raises Concerns

Holstein articulated his frustration over the incident, stating, “It’s just been a horrible tragedy here in West Virginia.” He emphasized that such violence is a rare occurrence for residents of the state, transforming a day of gratitude into one of mourning.

Reflections on community unity emerged as Holstein noted, “West Virginia is just one big small town.” He emphasized that whether in triumph or tragedy, the people of West Virginia rally together. The collective mourning transcended political divides, as members from both the Democratic and Republican parties expressed their condolences. This solidarity highlights the shared sense of grief in the wake of such a violent act.

“West Virginians of all political sides came together and expressed their grief. Beyond sorrow, there’s gratitude for these two brave individuals,” Holstein remarked. He noted the poignant reality that many families were not able to gather on Thanksgiving, as these servicemen were engaged in a fight for their lives.

Holstein also pointed out the strong sense of service inherent to West Virginians. He illustrated this commitment with statistics showing that the state has a higher per capita number of veterans than most others in the nation, showcasing a unique dedication to serving one another.

As details about Lakanwal’s immigration status emerged, public sentiment shifted towards anger. Holstein expressed disbelief that a foreign national involved in such a serious crime had even been allowed to enter the United States. He characterized Lakanwal as “not even supposed to be here.”

Criticism of the Afghan Withdrawal

The shooting incident has reignited discussions about the chaotic Afghan withdrawal. Holstein criticized the handling of the withdrawal, stating, “When you create chaos, chaos follows.” He described the scenario as a “complete debacle,” which resulted in individuals scrambling to leave Afghanistan in a disorganized manner.

He argued that the lack of a systematic approach during the evacuation represented a failure on the part of government officials. Holstein expressed frustration at an immigration system that, in his view, prioritizes foreign individuals over American citizens. “It’s an indictment on our country’s immigration system,” he stated, underscoring a need to reassess the priorities within U.S. policies.

The Need for Reform in Immigration Policy

Returning to the discussion surrounding immigration, Holstein reiterated the importance of a merit-based system that ensures thorough vetting for anyone entering the country. He voiced support for measures aimed at reducing immigration from unstable nations, a position echoed by former President Donald Trump.

When questioned about the potential continued deployment of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, Holstein conveyed his support for state and national security. “We can’t cower to people like this (Lakanwal),” he urged, reinforcing a message of resilience and determination in the face of violence.

As the state grapples with this tragic event, community leaders continue to advocate for stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of residents. Holstein concluded by expressing hope for the ongoing presence of West Virginia guardsmen in Washington, as they continue their work to uphold law and order.

This report contains contributions from Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman and Tessa Hoyos.