Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a shocking incident near the White House, a shooting has resulted in the death of a National Guard member and severe injuries to another, prompting U.S. officials to suspend Afghan visas and asylum proceedings.

The assailant, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who served with the CIA-supported Afghan Army during the conflict, had received asylum this year. He now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill.

The attack claimed the life of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition in the hospital. Both were part of the West Virginia National Guard stationed in Washington, D.C.

In light of this event, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced a temporary hold on all asylum decisions until thorough vetting can be assured. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also confirmed that the visa process for Afghan passport holders is currently on hold.

Local residents describe Lakanwal as a reserved and polite individual who faced employment challenges. He had a brief stint with Amazon Flex over the summer. Entering the U.S. in 2021 via the Biden administration’s resettlement initiative, he was granted asylum later under the Trump administration.

Beckstrom, who joined the military after graduating high school in 2023, was commended for her commitment and leadership. Her unit lauded her as a dedicated military police officer who willingly accepted the assignment in D.C.

This incident has spurred renewed discussions regarding immigration policies, vetting processes, and the safety of military personnel on domestic assignments, as investigations into Lakanwal’s intentions continue.

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