Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — A routine traffic stop escalated into a deadly shootout on April 23, when 36-year-old Jamal Wali, an Afghan immigrant and former military translator, opened fire on Fairfax County police officers, injuring two before being fatally shot.
Bodycam footage released by Fairfax County Police on May 23 captures the confrontation. Officers stopped Wali’s 1999 Toyota Corolla near Greenbriar for an expired inspection sticker. Wali, visibly agitated, declared he was armed and launched into an anti-American tirade, expressing frustration over his life in the U.S. and shouting, “I should have served with the Taliban.”
As backup officers arrived, Wali reached for his weapon and fired, striking two officers in the arms. A third officer, Ian Lachapelle, returned fire, hitting Wali four times. Wali was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The injured officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Chief Kevin Davis stated that Wali’s actions posed a significant threat, justifying the officers’ response. The incident is under investigation, with Officer Lachapelle placed on restricted duty pending the outcome.
Wali, who immigrated to the U.S. in 2014, had previously worked with American military forces overseas. His family has not commented on the incident.
