Faith
Faith and Response After D.C. Tragedy
Faith Facts
- Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot near the White House, resulting in one fatality.
- The suspect, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021, is now in custody and receiving medical care.
- World Relief, a Christian humanitarian group, said it could not confirm if it assisted the shooter’s resettlement but expressed deep sorrow over the event.
Christian charity World Relief voiced shock and sadness following the tragic shooting involving National Guard soldiers in our nation’s capital.
Authorities report the accused, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in America during the 2021 Afghan evacuation under Operation Allies Welcome.
World Relief clarified it works under federal assignment and could not publicly identify individual resettlement cases without government approval.
“We are eager to support law enforcement in any way possible,” stated a World Relief spokesperson.
The suspect’s family reportedly received support from World Relief in Bellingham, Washington, after their arrival.
World Relief’s CEO urged churches to respond to such evil acts without casting aspersions on entire communities, reminding believers to pursue both justice and Christ-like compassion.
“We should recognize these evil actions as those of one person, not judge tens of thousands of others who have nothing to do with this offense,” Myal Greene emphasized.
He stressed the importance of loving our neighbors, while maintaining prudent, faith-driven immigration policies that honor both security and Christian care for the vulnerable.
The organization expressed deep concern after a recent government halt on processing permanent residency for certain recent refugees, warning it may leave thousands in uncertainty.
“Refugees admitted under the U.S. resettlement program have undergone some of the most rigorous vetting of any immigrant lawfully admitted into the United States,” Greene affirmed.
World Relief continues to call for policies that safeguard religious liberty and protect persecuted Christians worldwide.
As believers, let us pray for the families affected and seek wise, biblical responses rooted in mercy, justice, and the values that have long shaped our nation.