A defining image of Afghans running after an American military aircraft leaving Kabul amid the disastrous withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
At the time, Mayorkas touted the robust biometric screening and vetting process in place — in both the U.S. and transit countries — in order to make sure every individual entering the country was properly screened.
In response to a question at the time from Fox News' Jake Gibson, Mayorkas confirmed that there already had been individuals flagged with "derogatory information" during the vetting process, but did not specify the number of people flagged.
Mayorkas assured that 400 U.S. Customs and Border Patrol employees and the Transportation Security Administration would be brought up to assist. Part of the effort included moving refugees from military bases designated by the Pentagon to house and vet refugees before they enter the United States.
National Guard soldiers stand behind the crime scene tape at a corner in downtown Washington, Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement. (Drew Angerer / AFP via Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, former President Biden did respond to the tragic D.C. attack, but his comments came before news of how the shooter entered the United States.
"Jill and I are heartbroken that two members of the National Guard were shot outside the White House," Biden posted on X, just before news broke that the shooter entered the country under his administration's rapid resettlement program.
"Violence of any kind is unacceptable, and we must all stand united against it. We are praying for the service members and their families."
Fox News Digital Reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on the news that Lakanwal came into the United States under the Biden-era program, but did not receive a response. Attempts to reach former DHS Secretary Mayorkas also were unsuccessful in time for publication.
Fox News' Brooke Singman and Kelly Laco contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alleged-dc-shooter-entered-us-under-afghan-resettlement-push-mayorkas-vowed-would-done-swiftly-safely