SEATTLE (AP) — The recent incident involving an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers has sparked concern among those aiding refugees in the U.S. They worry about potential backlash against individuals who have sought safety and a fresh start in America.

Shawn VanDiver, who leads the San Diego-based organization #AfghanEvac, shared that many Afghans in the U.S. are now afraid to leave their homes. They fear possible confrontations with immigration authorities or becoming targets of hateful rhetoric. #AfghanEvac is dedicated to helping Afghans who supported the U.S. during its two-decade military presence in Afghanistan resettle safely.

The authorities have identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old from Bellingham, Washington, as the suspect in the shooting. Lakanwal reportedly traveled to Washington, D.C., where the incident took place, injuring two West Virginia National Guard members. As of Thursday, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, are still in critical condition.

According to #AfghanEvac and confidential sources, Lakanwal had previously served in a CIA-supported Afghan Army unit before relocating to the U.S. His journey to America included applying for asylum under the Biden administration, a process which he successfully completed after comprehensive vetting this year.

He applied for asylum during the Biden administration and his asylum was approved this year after undergoing a thorough vetting, the group said.

After the shooting, President Donald Trump said his administration would review everyone who entered from the country under former President Joe Biden — a measure his administration had been planning even before the shooting.

Refugee groups fear they’ll now be considered guilty by association.

Ambassador Ashraf Haidari, founder and president of Displaced International, which provides resources, advocacy and support to displaced people worldwide, said there must be a thorough investigation and justice for those who were harmed, “but even as we pursue accountability, one individual’s alleged actions cannot be allowed to define, burden, or endanger entire communities who had no part in this tragedy.”

Matthew Soerens, a vice president with World Relief, a Christian humanitarian organization that helps settle refugees, including Afghan nationals in Whatcom County, Washington, said the person responsible for the shooting should face justice under the law.

“Regardless of the alleged perpetrator’s nationality, religion or specific legal status, though,” he said, “we urge our country to recognize these evil actions as those of one person, not to unfairly judge others who happen to share those same characteristics.”