Homeland Security Secretary Holds Biden Responsible for National Guard Shooting

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem avoided answering questions regarding whether the Trump administration thoroughly evaluated the Afghan national accused in the National Guard shooting before granting him asylum earlier this year. During her Sunday appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press, Noem repeatedly directed criticism at former President Joe Biden instead.

Noem told host Kristen Welker, We believe [the suspect] became radicalized after arriving in the United States. She added, We cannot allow unvetted individuals brought into this country under Biden to roam freely. We will ensure they are brought to justice or returned if they are not here for legitimate reasons.

The comments came after former President Trump proposed a permanent pause on migration from all third-world countries following the Thanksgiving Eve attack in Washington, D.C., in which two National Guard members were shot. The attack has been linked to suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who moved to the U.S. to serve in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit. Lakanwal faces charges including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

Welker highlighted that Lakanwal had undergone rigorous vetting during his CIA service and had his asylum request approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in April 2025, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security. She asked, Why did the Trump administration approve his asylum? Was his radicalization foreseeable?

Noem refused to directly answer, focusing on Bidens actions. The Biden administration transported individuals to the U.S. without proper vetting, she said.

During the discussion, Welker pressed Noem about the vetting process used before granting asylum to Lakanwal. Noem responded ambiguously, asserting, The vetting process occurred under Joe Bidens administration. When asked again if Lakanwal had been vetted at the time of his asylum approval, Noem deflected and claimed, Vetting was entirely neglected under Bidens leadership.

Watch Noems full interview on Meet the Press for more details on her statements regarding the Afghan asylum case.

Author: Sophia Brooks