The United States (US) has indefinitely halted all immigration applications from Afghan citizens after the suspect who opened fire at US National Guard personnel in Washington DC was identified as an Afghan.
“All immigration applications for Afghan nationals are paused indefinitely,” the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a statement, adding that security and screening protocols for Afghan applicants will be reviewed thoroughly.
The statement came shortly after two National Guard personnel were shot near the White House.
According to reports, a man opened fire on the personnel, prompting a heavy police response at the scene. The two injured officers were immediately rushed to a hospital, and their condition remains critical.
The suspect arrested from the scene was identified as 29-year-old Afghan citizen Rahmanullah Laknwal, who arrived in the US in 2021.
Following the shooting, authorities temporarily locked down the White House and secured surrounding areas. Police advised civilians to avoid I Street and nearby zones.
Secretary of Homeland Security said they were working with law enforcement agencies to gather information while President Donald Trump condemned the attack as terrorism.
In a public address, Trump ordered a review of all foreign nationals who entered the US from Afghanistan during the Biden administration. On social media, he called the shooter an “animal” and warned that anyone who fired upon the National Guard personnel will pay a heavy price.
The shooting also briefly disrupted flights at Washington’s Ronald Reagan Airport.