American Couple Faces Intense Criticism After Refugee They Supported Turns Violent
Stanley Creighton and Valerie Creighton, a wealthy American couple from Washington, have found themselves at the center of a major controversy after Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan refugee they once hosted in their $2.7 million Bellingham home, was identified as the shooter who attacked DC National Guard members.
The Creightons had opened their luxurious residence to the Lakanwal family in 2021 when the Afghan refugees first arrived in the United States with nowhere to live. The couple didn't stop at providing shelter - they actively championed the family's cause by starting a fundraising campaign that described the Lakanwals as "truly genuine, kind people" who deserved support.
The Now-Deleted Fundraiser and Its Aftermath
According to the fundraising page that has since been removed from the internet, Stanley and Valerie had written: "Hi, this is Stan and Val and we are fundraising for an Afghan refugee family who stayed at our home for 2 months before finding permanent rental housing in Bellingham, WA."
The campaign detailed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal had served for 11 years as a member of the Afghan Special Forces, working alongside American service members in the fight against Taliban forces before being evacuated to the US in September 2021. The family, which included his wife Khamila and their five sons aged 2 to 11, had arrived in America with virtually nothing.
"This is an opportunity for you to help a truly wonderful family," the Creightons had passionately appealed. "They left Afghanistan with nothing and they need household and kitchen items of all kinds. Please give whatever you can to help them start a new life in the US."
Social Media Backlash and Political Connections Exposed
As screenshots of the deleted fundraiser began circulating online, social media users quickly uncovered the Creightons' background and political affiliations. Investigative reports revealed that the couple had sponsored Lakanwal and his family through President Biden's Operation Allies Welcome program.
Critics have labeled the Creightons as "serial profiteers of the refugee industry", pointing out that they had sponsored multiple Afghan families along with Syrian refugees. One social media user questioned: "Who's paying for all this?"
Conservative activist Laura Loomer further exposed that the wealthy couple had supported prominent Democratic politicians including Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. Loomer accused them of "virtue signaling" to their community by raising money for what she described as a "jihadist."
Lakanwal's Life in America and Mental Health Struggles
Before the violent incident, Rahmanullah Lakanwal had been working as a driver for Amazon Flex, delivering packages as an independent contractor. Records indicate that his last delivery assignment occurred in August, prior to the shooting.
The apartment complex where Lakanwal most recently resided was a rent-subsidized housing facility designed for people with disabilities and those in recovery programs. A relative expressed complete shock at Lakanwal's actions, stating they had "no idea why Lakanwal did this" and needed help understanding what triggered the violence.
A childhood friend of Lakanwal provided crucial context to The New York Times, revealing that the Afghan refugee had been suffering from significant mental health problems stemming from traumatic experiences in his home country. "When he saw blood, bodies, and the wounded, he could not tolerate it," the friend explained. "It put a lot of pressure on his mind."
Neighbors in the United States described the Lakanwal family as keeping mostly to themselves, though one neighbor recalled a pleasant conversation with Lakanwal's wife about traditional Afghan cuisine.
The case has ignited intense debate about refugee resettlement programs and the challenges faced by veterans of foreign conflicts who struggle with trauma after relocating to new countries.
