A tense exchange unfolded Thursday on Capitol Hill as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sharply rebuked Rep. Bennie Thompson (D‑MS) during testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee.
The confrontation centered on the fatal Thanksgiving Eve shooting of two West Virginia National Guardsmen by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was living in Washington state at the time.
Thompson repeatedly referred to the attack as an “unfortunate accident” while pressing Noem about the vetting and asylum process that allowed Lakanwal entry into the United States.
Noem responded firmly, stating, “You think that was an unfortunate accident? It was a terrorist attack.”
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of Webster County was killed, and Spc. Andrew Wolfe of Berkeley County was seriously wounded.
The hearing included National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent and FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Michael Glasheen.
Discussions focused on Operation Allies Welcome and Operation Allies Refuge, programs initiated after the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal to resettle Afghan nationals.
Noem criticized the administration for relying on military vetting standards while failing to conduct annual follow-ups, leaving critical oversight gaps.
The hearing included National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent and FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Michael Glasheen.
Discussions focused on Operation Allies Welcome and Operation Allies Refuge, programs initiated after the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal to resettle Afghan nationals.
Noem criticized the administration for relying on military vetting standards while failing to conduct annual follow-ups, leaving critical oversight gaps.
According to a transcript of the hearing provided by The Gateway Pundit, Noem stressed that Lakanwal’s asylum application “was put into place under the rules established by the Biden administration… they vetted this individual, allowed them into our country, and did not do due diligence.”
Kent echoed her concerns, asserting that if proper procedures for Special Immigrant Visas had been followed, Lakanwal and others “would not have come to America. That’s on Joe Biden.”
Thompson pressed both Noem and Kent repeatedly for direct answers on who approved Lakanwal’s asylum application.
Noem maintained that Biden-era policies set the framework under which the Afghan national was admitted.
The exchange drew an emotional rebuke from Rep. Andy Ogles (R‑TN), who said, “That was a murder that took place in DC—it was not an unfortunate incident. And, those comments are effin’ disrespectful.”
Committee rules prevented further debate, Fox News noted.
Federal officials confirmed that Lakanwal entered the U.S. under Biden-era resettlement programs for Afghans and had been vetted according to military standards.
Lawmakers at the hearing highlighted concerns over gaps in immigration oversight and the approval process for individuals admitted through these programs.
The deadly attack has renewed scrutiny over the administration’s handling of Afghan refugees and the consequences of expedited vetting procedures on national security.
Committee members indicated investigations into Lakanwal’s entry and asylum approval will continue, emphasizing broader disputes over federal oversight and immigration policy.
Observers note that the confrontation underscores sharp partisan divides over immigration enforcement, the Afghanistan withdrawal and asylum vetting protocols.
Noem’s testimony and the clash with Thompson have drawn national attention, serving as a flashpoint in debates over Trump-era immigration policies, Biden-era resettlement programs and accountability in national security operations.
The exchange between Noem and Thompson illustrates ongoing tensions in Congress over resettlement programs and asylum approvals, highlighting the challenges in balancing humanitarian considerations with security obligations.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are expected to continue scrutinizing the vetting and oversight processes for individuals admitted under Operation Allies Welcome.
