Former US President Donald Trump has demanded a comprehensive review of all Afghan refugees admitted during the Biden administration, following a shooting incident in Washington that left two National Guard members in critical condition.
Washington Shooting Investigation
Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States following the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to Department of Homeland Security records, Lakanwal was granted asylum earlier this year.
The shooting occurred near the Farragut West metro station, close to the White House, during the controversial deployment of troops to Washington DC. Both National Guard members remained in critical condition overnight following the incident that Trump described as an 'act of terror'.
Hong Kong Fire Tragedy
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the death toll from a massive blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex has risen to 65, marking the territory's deadliest fire in decades. Police have alleged that gross negligence by a construction company may be responsible for the fire's rapid spread.
Firefighters continue to battle intense heat and thick smoke while attempting to reach potentially trapped residents on upper floors. More than 250 people remain missing, with an additional 45 individuals hospitalised in critical condition.
Hong Kong authorities have arrested two directors and an engineering consultant from the construction company involved in maintenance work at the complex.
International Sanctions Gap
Separate research by US civil society group Dekleptocracy reveals that Western nations are missing crucial opportunities to sanction Russia's war effort. The study identifies chemicals used for mechanical lubricants and military-grade tires as significant vulnerabilities in Russia's military supply chain.
According to the research, targeting Russia's remaining suppliers of these chemicals could create critical shortages that 'would seriously damage Russia's war machine'. The findings come as Moscow attempts to develop domestic production capabilities for hundreds of essential chemicals.
The incident in Washington has reignited debates about immigration policy and national security, while the Hong Kong tragedy raises serious questions about construction safety standards and regulatory enforcement in the territory.
