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A former Afghan interpreter, who had managed to escape the Taliban regime and migrate to America with his family in 2021, was shot fatally early Monday in Washington, DC, during an additional shift as a Lyft driver. Authorities and a charity have confirmed this tragic event, and police are now on a manhunt for the suspects.
Nasrat Ahmad Yar, 31, was discovered in his car with a gunshot wound slightly after midnight on Monday by officers responding to calls of an unconscious individual, according to a press release by the police. Ahmad Yar, who had served alongside the US Army Special Forces as an interpreter in Afghanistan for ten years prior to the Taliban’s takeover, was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities mentioned that Ahmad Yar had taken up an extra rideshare shift when he was killed, as reported by a verified GoFundMe page. The page also mentions that four individuals fled the scene soon after the shooting. However, no suspects have been identified yet.
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered by the police for any information leading to an arrest, as stated in the release.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Nasrat’s family as they grapple with this horrific tragedy,” a Lyft spokesperson told CNN. “We have offered our support to his family and are working with law enforcement to assist in their investigation.”
CNN has also sought a response from the US Army Special Forces regarding the incident.
Ahmad Yar had managed to bring his family to the US in 2021 after the Afghan government fell, as stated on the GoFundMe page. He was the sole breadwinner for his wife and their four children, ranging in age from 15 months to 13 years.
His cousin, Mohammad Ahmadi, in conversation with CNN, mentioned Ahmad Yar’s aspirations for his children to reside in a secure environment where his sons and daughters could access education.
Discussing Ahmad Yar’s decision to work as an interpreter with the US Army, Ahmadi said his cousin firmly believed he was doing the right thing.
“He was a strong believer in the need for better opportunities for girls, women, and children in Afghanistan so they could pursue education and live in a peaceful country,” Ahmadi expressed.
The family has been residing in Virginia for the past eight months, Ahmadi mentioned.
Ahmadi added, “His family is in dire need at the moment,” “On the night of the tragedy, my cousin had decided to work an extra shift as they were short of rent money.”
A verified GoFundMe campaign organized to aid Ahmad Yar’s family has managed to raise over $165,000 as of Friday afternoon.
Source: CNN
