US stops all asylum decisions after National Guard shooting.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this suspension will remain in place while officials conduct a thorough review of the “security and vetting protocols” for all Afghan arrivals. Notably, Lakamal had applied for asylum in 2024, with his application receiving approval earlier this year.

In the wake of the incident, President Donald Trump labeled the attack an “act of terror.” He pledged to take strong action, vowing to remove foreigners “from any country who does not belong here” and emphasizing that the U.S. “must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.”

The shooting unfolded around 2:15 PM EST (5:15 PM GMT) near the bustling Farragut Square Metro Station in downtown Washington. Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll reported that the suspect “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing,” ambushing the soldiers as they carried out a high-visibility patrol.

Fortunately, other National Guard members swiftly intervened, subduing the suspect before police arrived. Law enforcement reportedly shot the suspect four times. Witnesses vividly described scenes of panic as crowds scattered, and footage circulated showing the injured soldiers receiving immediate medical attention on the street.

In response, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Trump had authorized the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital. This supplements the nearly 2,200 reservists already stationed in Washington, primarily tasked with assisting local law enforcement and maintaining public safety.

“These forces will stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington DC safe and beautiful,” Hegseth declared. National Guard troops have been present in the city since August, deployed to tackle what President Trump previously characterized as “out of control” crime.

This incident occurs amidst intensified scrutiny regarding Afghan migration to the United States. Following the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban takeover in 2021, tens of thousands of Afghans entered the country. Earlier this year, Trump implemented a travel ban on nationals from Afghanistan and eleven other nations, although Afghan nationals holding Special Immigration Visas were granted an exemption.

Furthermore, President Trump also ended the Temporary Protected Status program, which had previously offered deportation protection and work permits to Afghans who couldn't safely return to their homeland due to ongoing conflict.

The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the investigation into Lakamal is still active. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continuously reviewing immigration and security protocols for all Afghan arrivals.