HOUSTON — A former member of Afghanistan’s security forces who had resettled in the United States was fatally shot in Texas during an argument over a parking space, according to local media and family members.
The victim, identified as 31-year-old Abdul Rahman Waziri, was living with his wife and two young daughters at an apartment complex in west Houston when he was killed over the weekend near their residence at Gables at Richmond.
Waziri had served in Afghanistan’s special forces and worked closely with U.S. and NATO troops during the war. His family relocated to the United States following the Taliban’s return to power.
“We came here to be safe, because we had worked with the U.S. government,” said Abdullah Khan, Waziri’s brother. “My brother led operations. But even here, we’re not safe.”
Houston police said the dispute broke out near the building’s mailboxes, where Waziri’s white vehicle was parked with its hazard lights on. A black car was reportedly parked behind it. An argument escalated and resulted in multiple gunshots, killing Waziri at the scene.
“This is not something you kill a person over,” Khan said. “A parking spot? This is unacceptable.”
Photos from the scene showed a handcuffed man being taken into custody. Police later said the suspect turned himself in, notified officers of the shooting, and surrendered his firearm. However, he was released without charges pending further investigation.
Authorities confirmed that surveillance footage from the apartment complex had been reviewed, though the shooting itself was not captured on camera.
Nisar Momand, a community activist among Afghan Americans in Houston, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
The Houston Police Department has stated that the case remains under investigation, and footage from additional security cameras is being reviewed. The district attorney’s office has not yet confirmed whether charges will be filed.
