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November 28, 2025

Hemayat Hope extends our deepest condolences to the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who tragically lost her life, and our prayers for the recovery of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe. This senseless act of violence is a tragedy that affects us all.

We unequivocally condemn this violent act. This incident does not represent the Afghan community, which has contributed positively to American society and continues to serve with honor and distinction across the United States.

Afghan refugees and special immigrants undergo some of the most rigorous vetting of any immigrant population, including multiple background checks, biometric screening, in-person interviews, and security assessments by multiple U.S. government agencies. Rahmanullah Lakanwal served in NDS-03, a CIA-operated counterterrorism unit that fought the Taliban on behalf of the U.S. government. He was evacuated specifically because of his service to America.

The individual underwent vetting at multiple stages: initial evacuation (2021), humanitarian parole admission, Chief of Mission approval for his Special Immigrant Visa application, and asylum approval (April 2025). The vast majority of Afghan refugees and immigrants are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their communities, work hard, and are grateful for the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety.

While we await the full investigation, we must remember that one individual’s actions should not define an entire community of over 200,000 Afghan refugees who came to America seeking safety. Many Afghan refugees risked their lives serving alongside American forces and deserve our continued support.

If there were failures in the vetting process, they must be identified and corrected—but without scapegoating an entire population. We must resist rhetoric that paints all refugees with a broad brush based on the actions of one individual.

Hemayat Hope stands with all communities affected by violence and remains committed to supporting Afghan refugees as they build new lives in America while honoring the sacrifice of those who serve our nation.

Welcome to Hemayat Hope Corp., where we empower Afghan-American girls and newly arrived Afghan women through mentorship, education, and community building. Our mission is to create a bridge between established Afghan-Americans who understand American systems and newly arrived Afghans seeking to navigate their new environment.

At Hemayat Hope, we aim to foster a supportive community where Afghan girls and women can thrive, build connections, and gain the confidence they need to succeed in American life while preserving their cultural heritage. Join us in our mission to unite the Afghan women’s diaspora!