The Trump administration announced a review of permanent residency applications from immigrants in 19 countries, including Afghanistan, following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House.
The FBI has launched an international terrorism investigation into the suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously served with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Officials described the incident as an “ambush-style” attack, which occurred just before Thanksgiving.
In a brief video, President Trump labeled the shooting an “act of evil” and framed immigrants as a potential national security threat. His administration halted processing immigration applications from Afghanistan. “We must ensure the removal of any alien who does not belong here or does not contribute to our country. If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” Trump said.
Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirmed a “full-scale review” of Green Cards for all nationals from the listed countries. These include Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, and Myanmar—countries already under U.S. travel restrictions from a previous Trump order in June.
The attack highlighted tensions over the military’s domestic role, immigration policy, and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Both soldiers remain in critical condition, while the suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is hospitalized in custody.
Washington D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Lakanwal, who had lived in Washington state, drove across the country before opening fire with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver on patrolling National Guard soldiers near the White House. He faces three counts of assault with intent to kill, which would be upgraded to first-degree murder if the soldiers die. The motive remains unclear.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that Lakanwal had worked with a CIA-backed partner force in Afghanistan and was brought to the U.S. through an evacuation program. The Trump administration has deployed additional troops to multiple cities, including Washington, Los Angeles, and Memphis, amid lawsuits challenging the legality of these domestic deployments.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced 500 more troops would deploy to D.C., bringing the total to 2,500, despite a federal judge’s temporary halt on the deployment.
Leaders from the FBI, CIA, and Homeland Security noted Lakanwal’s unvetted access was a result of asylum policies following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, AfghanEvac, a group assisting Afghan resettlement, said migrants undergo “some of the most extensive security vetting.” Lakanwal had received asylum in April 2025 and would have been eligible for permanent residency a year later.
“This individual’s isolated and violent act should not define or diminish an entire community,” said Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac.
