US has suspended immigration from Afghanistan after two National Guard members were shot in Washington
The United States has suspended Afghan immigration following a shooting incident in Washington that resulted in injuries to two National Guard members, leading to a reassessment of vetting procedures.
The United States has halted the processing of all immigration requests from Afghans after a shooting incident near the White House that resulted in two National Guard members being critically injured. The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakamal, a 29-year-old Afghan who came to the US in September 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome programme.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the suspension will stay in place while a review of “security and vetting protocols” for Afghan arrivals is conducted. Lakamal submitted his asylum application in 2024, and it received approval earlier this year.
President Donald Trump described the attack as “an act of terror” in his remarks after the incident and pledged to take measures to remove foreigners “from any country who does not belong here.” He also mentioned that the US “must now re-evaluate every single individual who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.”
The shooting took place at approximately 14:15 EST (17:15 GMT) close to the Farragut Square Metro Station, a bustling location in downtown Washington. Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll of the Metropolitan Police stated that the suspect “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing,” ambushing the soldiers while they were conducting a high-visibility patrol.
Additional National Guard members stepped in, restraining the suspect until law enforcement arrived. The suspect was allegedly shot four times by law enforcement officials. Witnesses recounted scenes of frantic crowds escaping the area and provided footage of soldiers receiving treatment on the street.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that President Trump had authorized the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital. At present, approximately 2,200 reservists are deployed in Washington, mainly to assist local law enforcement and uphold public safety.
“These forces will strengthen our determination to ensure that we create a safe and beautiful Washington DC,” Hegseth stated. Since August, National Guard troops have been deployed in the city to tackle what Trump referred to as “out of control” crime.
The incident occurs during a period of increased examination of Afghan migration to the United States. A significant number of Afghans entered the country after the US withdrawal and the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Earlier this year, Trump enacted a travel ban affecting nationals from Afghanistan and 11 additional countries, although Afghan nationals holding Special Immigration Visas were granted an exemption.
Trump has also terminated the Temporary Protected Status program, which provided deportation protection and work permits to Afghans unable to return home safely due to war.
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the investigation into Lakamal remains active, and authorities have committed to ongoing reviews of immigration and security protocols for Afghan arrivals.
