In brief
The Trump administration has paused asylum decisions and visa issuances for Afghan passport holders after a shooting incident near the White House, which killed National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left another critically injured. President Trump called the shooting a 'terrorist attack,' emphasizing the need for stricter immigration policies. The suspect, an Afghan national linked to the CIA, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder. Critics argue the pause in asylum decisions unfairly targets the Afghan community and veterans.
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 continued Saturday to seek a motive in the shooting, with the suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national, facing serious charges including first-degree murder. The suspect applied for asylum during the Biden administration and was granted it this year under Trump, according to a group assisting Afghans who supported U.S. forces.
The administration's response emphasizes increased scrutiny of immigration, promising to pause entry from some countries and review Afghans and other legal migrants already in the United States.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died after the Wednesday shooting, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is in critical condition. Both were part of a National Guard mission in Washington directed by Trump, which has faced legal challenges.
Charges against the suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal also include assault with intent to kill while armed, with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicating more charges may arise.
Asylum decisions halted
Trump labeled the shooting a 'terrorist attack' and blamed the Biden administration for the influx of Afghans entering the U.S.
Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated that decisions would be paused until maximum vetting and screening can be ensured.
Experts note that the U.S. has a thorough vetting process for asylum seekers, with existing claims facing significant backlogs.
Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the Department has paused visas for ALL individuals with Afghan passports.
Shawn VanDiver, president of the San Diego-based #AfghanEvac group, criticized the administration, claiming that they were using the actions of a single individual to justify widespread punitive measures against an entire community.
The suspect
Lakanwal resided in Bellingham, Washington, with his family. Reports indicate he was struggling to find employment prior to the incident.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome program but was granted asylum under Trump.
According to a relative, Lakanwal had a history of service in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, having climbed ranks within the organization.
Beckstrom 'exemplified leadership, dedication'
Beckstrom, who enlisted after high school in 2023, was recognized by the West Virginia National Guard for her leadership and dedication in her role as a military police officer.
