U.S. immigration authorities have halted the processing of Afghan applications after an Afghan national was named as the suspect in a shooting that critically injured two National Guard soldiers near the White House.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, all Afghan-related immigration requests have been paused while officials examine existing “security and vetting protocols”. The decision follows Wednesday’s attack, during which two soldiers were seriously wounded. The suspect is reported to have arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021.
President Donald Trump condemned the incident as an “act of terror” and said his administration would work to remove foreigners “from any country who does not belong here”.
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Large numbers of Afghans were brought to the U.S. under special protections after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, conducted during Joe Biden’s presidency. The Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, describing him as “a criminal alien from Afghanistan”. Officials said he entered under Operation Allies Welcome, the programme created for Afghans following the Taliban’s return to power.
An official told CBS that Lakanwal had submitted an asylum request in 2024, which was approved earlier this year. He is reportedly 29 and is said to be refusing to co-operate with investigators.
Reacting to the shooting, Trump said the United States “must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden”.
The Joint Task Force DC reported that the attack occurred at approximately 14:15 EST near the Farragut Square Metro Station. The two National Guard soldiers were on a routine high-visibility patrol at the junction of 17th and I streets, an area crowded with office workers.
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Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said the suspect “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing”, describing the incident as an “ambush”. He added that nearby National Guard members quickly responded and restrained the suspect until police arrived.
Law enforcement sources told CBS that the suspect was struck by gunfire during the confrontation.
Witnesses recounted scenes of fear as people tried to flee or shelter. One bystander disclosed to the BBC he heard shots and watched crowds scatter. Another witness shared video showing the two injured soldiers receiving medical attention. Officials have not yet released information on the identities of the soldiers. A third individual, believed to be the alleged gunman, was also seen receiving treatment at the scene.
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