WASHINGTON: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it is indefinitely suspending all immigration requests for Afghan nationals.
This news comes hours after two West Virginia National Guard troops were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C. afternoon.
On X, USCIS posted, “Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission.”
It is pertinent to mention here that two National Guardsmen were shot just blocks away from the White House in Washington DC, authorities and officials confirmed.
International media outlets including CBS News have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, according to multiple law enforcement sources. Officials say Lakanwal is an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the incident took place in downtown Washington DC, a few streets from the presidential complex.
DC Metropolitan Police said the scene is now secure and that one suspect has been taken into custody who is an Afghan national. They urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue. While there is not official statement on the motive behind the incident, social media users are speculating multiple possible scenarios associated with the shooting today.
Emergency response officials said three victims were transported to hospital, though the identity and condition of the third victim remain unclear. The circumstances and motive behind the shooting have not yet been confirmed.
The White House said it is “aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation”, adding that US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the developments, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
President Trump posted on social media platform ‘Truth Social’, calling the perpetrator ‘animal’. He further states that “The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price.”
Furthermore, he noted “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
The National Guard has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
Read more: Suspect Involved in White House Shooting Identified as Afghan National Rahmanullah Lakanwal
