WASHINGTON — In a forceful response to Wednesday’s shocking shooting near the White House that left one member of the West Virginia National Guard dead and another critically wounded, Donald J. Trump declared the incident “an act of terror” and announced sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy.
The Shooting
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a gunman opened fire on two National Guard members on patrol near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C. The victims have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, and Andrew Wolfe, age 24. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries on Thursday evening, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
The suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the
United States through the post-Afghanistan-evacuation resettlement programme (Operation Allies Welcome) in 2021, has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Authorities say he was also wounded during a confrontation and is under guard in a hospital.
Lakanwal’s background is drawing intense scrutiny. He reportedly worked with U.S.-backed forces in Afghanistan prior to his relocation to the U.S., and though he underwent screening, questions are being raised about the adequacy of the vetting process.
Trump’s Response
President Trump, speaking in a video posted to social media, emphasized that the shooting demonstrated “the single greatest national-security threat facing our nation” — lax migration and vetting protocols. He blamed the previous administration for admitting individuals he described as a risk and ordered a comprehensive review of all Afghan nationals admitted under the Biden era.
On Thursday night, Trump announced a plan to “permanently pause migration from all third-world countries” and to end federal benefits and subsidies for noncitizens, remarking that “anyone who is not a net asset to the United States” will be subject to removal.
He also threatened that the shooter’s family could be deported, stating they were “looking at that right now.”
In tandem with the remarks, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would indefinitely suspend processing of immigration requests from Afghan nationals, and the Department of Homeland Security ordered a full review of asylum and green-card cases from “countries of concern.”
Broader Implications and Reactions
The president’s framing of the shooting as a justification for expansive immigration policy shifts has stirred strong reactions. U.N. agencies appealed to Washington on Friday to maintain access and due process for asylum-seekers, cautioning against punishing entire communities for the actions of one individual.
Critics argue that while the case is tragic, it risks fueling blanket policies against migrants and refugees — many of whom undergo rigorous vetting and have contributed positively to U.S. communities. Resettlement advocates note that while the suspect was approved for asylum in April 2024, his case does not necessarily reflect systemic failure.
Meanwhile, the decision to pause migration broadly and target “third-world countries” carries legal uncertainties. Similar bans under previous administrations have faced court setbacks. Analysts say the policy changes signal a hard turn in immigration enforcement, with potential ripple effects for thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers.
The Victim and the Guard
Sarah Beckstrom is being hailed as an American hero. She was deployed to Washington as part of the West Virginia National Guard’s support mission and had served stateside after being mobilised earlier this year. Tributes poured in from her home state and the military community.
Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalised, and his condition is described as critical. Military and state officials have continued to emphasise the bravery of the Guardsmen and pledged to support their families.
What Comes Next
As investigations continue, law enforcement officials are exploring motive and whether any broader network or inspiration was involved. Meanwhile, the administration is moving rapidly to recalibrate immigration within a national-security framework. The sweeping measures announced may face legal challenges and significant pushback from human rights and refugee advocacy groups.
The shooting has thus become not just a criminal matter but a political flashpoint: combining issues of security, immigration, refugee policy and the role of national guard forces in Washington’s civilian spaces.
As President Trump stated: “We will never back down” — but the sacrifice of Beckstrom and the critical injuries to Wolfe remind the country of a real human cost behind the policy debate.
Sources
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