WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions and paused issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports days after a shooting near the White House that left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition.
Investigators are seeking a motive in the shooting, involving a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War. The suspect, who faces charges including first-degree murder, had recently applied for and was granted asylum under the Biden and Trump administrations.
The shooting has prompted the Trump administration to intensify efforts to tighten legal immigration, including a review of Afghan refugees and a pause on entries from certain countries. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro noted that more charges against the suspect are likely to emerge.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who died in the incident, served with the West Virginia National Guard. An investigation into the suspect is ongoing, with federal charges expected.
Trump referred to the incident as a “terrorist attack,” blaming the Biden administration for facilitating the entry of potentially dangerous individuals.
Joseph Edlow, head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated that asylum decisions would be suspended until thorough vetting processes could be reaffirmed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed a pause in visa issuance for all Afghan passport holders.
Shawn VanDiver from #AfghanEvac criticized the administration's actions, suggesting that they were using the shooting to justify a long-planned policy change and targeting entire communities unjustly.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, recently had difficulty finding work and lived with his family in Bellingham, Washington. He was involved in CIA-backed military efforts in Afghanistan and entered the U.S. during the Operation Allies Welcome initiative.
Beckstrom was recognized for her service as a military police officer and had volunteered for the deployment where the shooting occurred.
