Trump Administration Suspends Asylum Processing After Deadly Attack
The Trump administration announced Friday it is halting all asylum decisions following the fatal shooting of a National Guard member near the White House. Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated on social media platform X that asylum processing will be paused until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.
Victims and Upgraded Charges
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were both hospitalized in critical condition after Wednesday afternoon's shooting. President Trump announced Thursday evening that Beckstrom had succumbed to her injuries. Following her death, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that charges against the suspect have been upgraded to first-degree murder.
The accused shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, now faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Lakanwal had previously worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War as part of the special Zero Units in Kandahar province.
Investigation and Political Fallout
Investigators continue working to determine a motive for the attack, executing warrants in Washington state where Lakanwal lived and other locations across the country. In a Fox News interview, Pirro indicated that many charges are still to come beyond the upgraded murder charge.
President Trump characterized the shooting as a terrorist attack and criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies. The president called for reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under Operation Allies Welcome, which resettled approximately 76,000 Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited National Guard troops in Washington on Friday, leading them in prayer for Beckstrom and Wolfe. He described Beckstrom as a beautiful human being and a great American willing to serve her country brutally targeted.
Suspect Background and Immigration Status
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome program. According to officials, he applied for asylum during the Biden administration but his asylum was ultimately approved under the Trump administration.
The suspect had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Neighbors described him as polite and quiet, noting he spoke little English. Mohammad Sherzad, a neighbor who attended the same mosque, said Lakanwal had been struggling to find work and had disappeared about two weeks ago.
Lakanwal had briefly worked as an independent contractor for Amazon Flex from late July to late August but hadn't been active with the company since. His background included service in CIA-backed Afghan Army units that played a key role in the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Tribute to Fallen Soldier
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom had enlisted in 2023, the same year she graduated high school, serving as a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company. The West Virginia National Guard described her as exemplifying leadership, dedication, and professionalism. She had volunteered to serve as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful, helping secure the nation's capital.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey ordered state flags flown at half-staff in recognition of Beckstrom's death, stating that their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in very critical condition according to the governor.
The shooting has intensified the ongoing debate about U.S. immigration policy and vetting procedures for refugees, particularly those from Afghanistan who worked with American forces during the two-decade-long war.
