The United States has taken the dramatic step of suspending all immigration requests from Afghan nationals following a shooting incident in Washington DC that left two National Guard members critically wounded.
Attack Near White House Prompts Immediate Action
The violent episode unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when two West Virginia National Guard soldiers were ambushed near the corner of 17th and I streets, just blocks from the White House. The assailant, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, reportedly came around a corner and opened fire on the soldiers during what was described as a "high-visibility patrol" at approximately 2.15pm Eastern Time.
According to Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll, other National Guard troops quickly subdued the shooter after an exchange of gunfire. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that authorities believe the shooter acted alone in what she characterised as a "targeted shooting."
Immigration Suspension and Security Review
In response to the incident, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an indefinite suspension of all immigration requests from Afghanistan. The decision came pending a comprehensive review of security and vetting protocols for individuals seeking entry from the country.
The suspect's background reveals he arrived in the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration programme designed to resettle Afghans who had assisted American forces during the war and faced potential Taliban reprisals following the US withdrawal. Officials noted that Lakanwal, who resided in Washington state, had no known criminal history prior to the attack.
Political Fallout and Security Reinforcement
President Donald Trump described the shooting as an "act of terror" and called for authorities to re-examine Afghan immigrants who entered the country during the Biden administration. In remarks delivered Wednesday evening, Trump stated that the Department of Homeland Security was "confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth."
The president deployed an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington DC following the incident, significantly boosting security presence in the capital. The two wounded soldiers remain hospitalised in critical condition, according to the latest reports.
In a statement posted on X, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services emphasised that "the protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," underscoring the administration's commitment to national security following the attack.
