News Summary

Abdul Rahman Waziri, an Afghan refugee, was shot and killed in Houston after a parking dispute escalated. The shooter, also a resident, has not been arrested. Waziri’s family seeks justice as community leaders question the handling of the case. Despite evidence suggesting murder, the investigation continues with community concerns regarding witness intimidation and the treatment of Afghan allies in the U.S.

Houston

Abdul Rahman Waziri, a 31-year-old Afghan refugee and former member of the National Mine Reduction Group, was shot and killed outside his apartment in Houston on April 27, following an alleged parking dispute. Witnesses report that the altercation escalated when the shooter kicked Waziri’s car, leading to a confrontation where Waziri pleaded for his life before he was shot multiple times. He was found lying next to his car and pronounced dead at Ben Taub General Hospital.

The alleged shooter, also 31 years old and a resident of the same apartment complex, approached the police at the scene and identified himself. Following consultation with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, he was released, and no arrests have been made in the case. Despite police identifying the shooter and gathering details about the incident, including surveillance footage and witness accounts, no charges have been filed as of now. A grand jury is set to review the case on June 17, but the timeline for a decision remains unclear.

Retired Master Sergeant Ben Hoffman, a former comrade of Waziri in Afghanistan, expressed outrage over the lack of justice in the case, calling Waziri a gentle giant. Community leaders and members of Houston’s Afghan community have also voiced their fears regarding the alleged shooter’s presence in their neighborhood without facing charges. This incident has sparked a movement led by veterans and the Afghan community, demanding justice for Waziri. They assert that had he been an American soldier, the authorities’ response would have been considerably different.

The shooting has profoundly affected Waziri’s family. His wife and two young daughters, aged 4 and 9 months, have since relocated to Tampa to be with relatives following his death. The family attorney, Omar Khawaja, has uncovered significant evidence, including witness accounts and surveillance videos, which he firmly believes indicates a clear case of murder. The delay in action has raised concerns about the treatment of Afghan allies in the U.S. and the handling of cases involving non-American victims.

The case remains under investigation, acknowledges the District Attorney’s office, while also recognizing the public’s demand for justice. However, reports of witness intimidation and apprehension within the Afghan community have surfaced, potentially hindering cooperation during the investigation since the release of the shooter.

Waziri fled Afghanistan in 2021 amidst the Taliban takeover, having worked with U.S. forces to clear explosive devices. At the time of his death, he was actively trying to establish a new life in America. The circumstances surrounding his death have left community members and retired service members demanding accountability and urging a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.

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HERE Resources

Houston Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Road Rage Murder
Cuban National Charged with Murder in Harris County Shooting

Additional Resources

• Military Times
• NBC News
• Click2Houston
• The Daily Beast
• Wikipedia: Abdul Rahman Waziri