Brian Mann
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veterans who support bringing more Afghans to the U.S.
say the vast majority are peaceful and productive.
It's still not clear why Rachmanoula Lachenwal drove from this city in northern Washington state to the nation's capital, where he allegedly opened fire on two National Guard soldiers, killing one and seriously injuring the other.
Lachenwal has pleaded not guilty.
Jeremy Darrow volunteers helping Afghan refugees in Bellingham.
He says many are terrified of being detained or deported.
President Trump froze Afghan asylum claims after the D.C.
shooting and has questioned whether Afghan refugees contribute in positive ways to American life, but people here say they see them as an important part of the community.
Brian Mann, NPR News, Bellingham, Washington.
The volunteer, who worked with Lakanwal in Bellingham, Washington, spoke with NPR on condition of anonymity because they said they feared for their safety.
When they first worked with Lakanwal in 2022, he appeared hopeful and outgoing.
But by 2023, his condition appeared to worsen as he struggled to find steady work.
My biggest concern was that he would harm himself, the volunteer said.
I worried he would be suicidal."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday Lackinwall appeared to be radicalized after coming to the U.S.
But the volunteer who worked with Lackinwall and his family said there was no sign of that.
They described an individual who seemed to be experiencing a deepening personal crisis.