Abdul Rahman Waziri, an Afghan refugee and father of two, was fatally shot in a parking dispute at his apartment complex in west Houston, Texas, last Sunday, according to local authorities and family members. Waziri, who had previously worked with U.S. special forces in Afghanistan, was allegedly shot multiple times by a neighbor around 9:15 p.m.
Waziri had fled Afghanistan to escape the Taliban and sought safety in the U.S. His brother, Abdullah Khan, expressed his grief over the incident, stating that Waziri had come to the U.S. to be safe, only to be met with such a tragic end.
The alleged shooter confessed to the police that the shooting occurred after an argument over a parking space. However, after being questioned by the police, the shooter was released without charges, a decision that has left Waziri’s family demanding justice.
The incident began when Waziri and the neighbor, whose identity has not been disclosed, got into a dispute over a parking spot at the Gables at Richmond apartment complex. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect vandalize Waziri’s car before the altercation escalated. After the fight ended, the shooter allegedly retrieved his gun and shot Waziri multiple times.
Police, who are currently reviewing surveillance footage of the incident, found Waziri’s body with multiple gunshot wounds next to a white Toyota Camry. Despite being rushed to Ben Taub General Hospital, the 31-year-old father could not be saved.
The shooter voluntarily surrendered to the police and handed over his gun. He was handcuffed and his hands were bagged to preserve forensic evidence. Despite this, the Harris County District Attorney declined to charge the shooter, who is now back living in the apartment complex.
Waziri’s death has sparked fear and outrage in the community. Omer Yousafzai, an Afghan community leader, expressed concern about the shooter living among them. Waziri’s family and community members held a protest outside a Houston police station, demanding the shooter’s arrest and a new investigation into the killing.
Waziri, a former member of Afghanistan’s security forces, had worked with U.S. troops in Afghanistan for seven years. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up in his name to raise funds to send his body back to Afghanistan. The campaign highlights Waziri’s bravery and his quest for a safer life in the U.S. for himself and his family.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and a request for comment from the Harris County District Attorney’s office has not been returned.