The US suspended immigration processing for Afghan applicants after authorities identified an Afghan citizen as the suspect in a shooting that critically injured two National Guard soldiers near the White House. The decision was announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which said it would pause all Afghan related immigration requests while officials review current security and vetting procedures.The suspect in the attack arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021. The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon and left two members of the National Guard fighting for their lives. US President Donald Trump referred to the shooting as an act of terror and stated that he would take immediate action to remove foreign nationals who he believes should not be in the country. Large numbers of Afghans entered the United States following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, during the final months of the Joe Biden administration. Many received temporary protections and resettlement support. However, the recent attack has placed new scrutiny on that process as the US suspends immigration requests involving Afghans.
National Guard Shooting Prompts US to Suspend All Afghan Immigration Requests
The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, described as a criminal alien from Afghanistan. According to the department, he entered the country through a program known as Operation Allies Welcome, which provided entry to Afghans fleeing the Taliban takeover. Officials told CBS that Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and that the application was approved earlier this year. At around twenty nine years old, he is reportedly refusing to cooperate with investigators. Following the shooting, Trump declared that the United States must re evaluate every Afghan citizen who entered during the Biden presidency. Authorities say the attack occurred near Farragut Square Metro Station shortly after two o’clock in the afternoon. The soldiers were on a visible patrol in a crowded area when the suspect suddenly appeared and opened fire. Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll of the Metropolitan Police stated that the soldiers were essentially ambushed. Nearby National Guard members rushed to intervene and restrained the attacker until police arrived. Law enforcement sources said he was shot four times during the confrontation.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people ran for safety in stores and behind buildings. Footage captured by a bystander showed the two injured soldiers receiving urgent medical attention on the pavement. A third individual, believed to be the suspected gunman, was also seen being treated. In response to the attack, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Trump requested an additional 500 National Guard personnel for the capital. He promised that the increased presence would help maintain safety in Washington DC. At present, nearly 2200 Guard members operate in the city, though their duties are limited since they cannot enforce laws or make arrests. The deployment began in August after Trump claimed crime in the city was out of control. The attack came at a time when the administration had already tightened restrictions on Afghan nationals. Trump previously imposed a travel ban on Afghanistan and several other countries, limiting entry except for a small number of Special Immigration Visa holders. He also ended a program that provided temporary protections for Afghans who feared returning home due to conflict. With the new incident unfolding, the policy stance has grown even more rigid as the US suspends immigration processing connected to Afghanistan.
source:BBC
