US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has called on former President Donald Trump to impose a sweeping travel prohibition on multiple countries, accusing them of flooding America with "killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies." This demand follows a violent shoot-out in Washington DC that left two National Guard members critically wounded.
Attack on Soldiers Triggers Political Firestorm
The incident occurred at the Farragut West metro station in central Washington DC last week. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day. Her colleague, Andrew Woolfe, 24, remains in a critical condition following what has been described as an ambush-style attack.
Authorities have named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old father of five, as the alleged gunman in custody. He faces first-degree murder charges. Law enforcement sources initially told NBC News the suspect was identified as an Afghan national and the shooting is being probed as a potential act of terror.
Noem's Blunt Call and Trump's Response
In a fiery social media post, Kristi Noem stated she had met with Trump and was recommending drastic action. "I am recommending a full travel ban on every damn country that's been flooding our nation with killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies," she wrote.
She framed her argument in starkly nationalist terms, adding, "Our forefathers built this nation on blood, sweat, and the unyielding love of freedom - not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes... WE DON'T WANT THEM. NOT ONE." Noem did not specify the countries she was referring to in her public statement.
In response, Donald Trump vowed that 'the animal' responsible for the shooting 'will pay a very steep price.' The former president has also pledged to "permanently pause migration" from all Third World countries and announced a re-examination of immigrant cases from 19 nations covered by his previous travel ban.
Policy Fallout and Suspect's Background
The political repercussions have been immediate. The United States has halted all immigration from Afghanistan, including decisions on refugee status. The list of countries targeted for renewed scrutiny under Trump's proposed policy includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Haiti, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, and Venezuela.
According to sources cited by The New York Post, Lakanwal entered the US during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 under President Joe Biden's Operation Allies Welcome. This programme aimed to resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who assisted US forces. The suspect was reportedly residing in Bellingham, Washington.
Police have recovered a handgun from the scene believed to be used in the attack. The suspect was shot during the confrontation and is receiving hospital treatment.
This story is developing.
