US suspends Afghanistan immigration requests after Washington shooting by Afghan
What's the story
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has indefinitely suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals. The decision comes after an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard soldiers near the White House. USCIS said the suspension will remain in place pending a review of security and vetting protocols, with a focus on protecting American citizens. "The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," it said.
Incident details
Shooting incident near White House
The shooting occurred in broad daylight, just two blocks from the White House. The two armed soldiers were patrolling the streets when the suspect launched his attack. The gunman was said to have "ambushed" his victims, according to Washington Police Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll. He described how the shooter "came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm, and discharged at the National Guard members."
Presidential response
President Trump condemns attack, links shooter to Afghanistan
In an address on Wednesday night, President Donald Trump called the shooting "an act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terror," adding, "It was a crime against our entire nation." He linked the shooter to Afghanistan, saying he arrived in the US in 2021 on evacuation flights after the Taliban took over. The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to America under Operation Allies Welcome.
Guards
Attacker was lying in wait
According to the New York Post, Lakanwal was allegedly lying in ambush before he turned the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC at approximately 2:15pm, then fired his weapon at a female guard in the chest. He then shot her in the head. After that, Lakanwal allegedly fired at and struck the second guard before a third guard stationed nearby intervened and shot him.
Immigration impact
Motive not yet known
A motive for the attack has not been determined; however, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the individual "appeared to target" the Guard members. The attack, however, comes amid ongoing controversy over Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops across several cities as part of a nationwide crime crackdown. The most recent data showed that there were 2,188 Guard soldiers deployed to DC.