Washington, D.C. – Nasrat Ahmad Yar, a former Afghan interpreter for U.S. Army Special Forces, was tragically shot and killed while working as a Lyft driver in Washington, D.C. The 31-year-old father of two was found unconscious in his car with a single gunshot wound and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The shooting occurred on 11th Street Northeast and involved four individuals.
Ahmad Yar had immigrated to the United States with his family in 2021 following the fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban. They first settled in Philadelphia but later moved to Alexandria, Virginia, after an incident of robbery at gunpoint. Ahmad Yar had been working as a Lyft driver on an extra late shift to earn money for rent when the shooting occurred. He often worked long shifts of up to 12 hours.
As an interpreter for the U.S. military, Ahmad Yar was seen as a target by the Taliban, and he sent money to his relatives living abroad. His friend, Jeramie Malone, described him as someone who was always willing to help others despite the danger he faced. Ahmad Yar’s priority was the safety of his children, whom he had brought to the U.S.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Butler, who aided in Ahmad Yar’s immigration process, emphasized his significant contributions and the irony of someone who had served the country facing such tragedy. Ahmad Yar’s cousin and the local Afghan community are seeking justice for him.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing a loud bang resembling a gunshot followed by four individuals fleeing through an alley. The suspects have not been identified, and the police are offering a reward for information leading to an arrest.
Lyft confirmed that Ahmad Yar was a driver for their platform and expressed condolences to his loved ones while offering support to his family and cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.