Trump orders review of Afghan nationals in US in wake of shooting near White House
Brace yourselves, folks -- President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell that’s got Washington buzzing with urgency.
Following a shocking shooting near the White House that left two West Virginia National Guardsmen with severe injuries, Trump has launched a sweeping review of all Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. under the Biden administration’s watch, as Breitbart reports.
The incident unfolded around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro Station, just a stone’s throw northwest of the White House. An NTD News correspondent, Mari Otsu, even reported hearing gunfire while passing by in an Uber at that exact time. It’s the kind of chaos that stops you cold, wondering how we got here.
Shooting Sparks National Security Alarm
The suspect, identified by CBS News as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021. He entered through “Operation Allies Welcome,” a Biden-era initiative designed to assist Afghan allies during the tumultuous 2021 withdrawal. Now, that program’s vetting process is under a scorching spotlight.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Lakanwal’s entry under this policy, raising eyebrows about just how thorough those background checks were. It’s not hard to see why trust in that system is shaky at best.
Trump didn’t mince words when he addressed the nation Wednesday night, calling the shooting an “act of terror” and a “crime against our nation.” He’s made it clear that safety comes first, no exceptions. And honestly, after an incident this close to the heart of our government, who can argue with that instinct?
Trump’s Bold Call for Action
“We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country,” Trump declared, per his public address. That’s a gauntlet thrown down, signaling a no-nonsense approach to national security. If past policies opened the door too wide, he’s ready to slam it shut.
Trump also took a sharp jab at his predecessor, labeling Biden’s tenure a disaster and pointing to lax border policies as a gaping vulnerability. He argued that the previous administration welcomed “20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners” from unstable regions, a claim that’s sure to fuel debate. But when shots ring out blocks from the White House, it’s hard to dismiss the urgency of his critique.
The president doubled down, insisting the U.S. must prioritize those who “love our country” and contribute positively. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many who feel our generosity has been stretched too thin. After all, compassion shouldn’t come at the cost of safety.
Policy Shifts in Immediate Response
In the wake of Trump’s fiery speech, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services hit the brakes hard, indefinitely pausing immigration requests from Afghan nationals. This move, pending a comprehensive security and vetting overhaul, shows the administration isn’t just talking -- it’s acting. For those worried about unchecked entries, this feels like a long-overdue correction.
The two injured soldiers, both hailing from West Virginia, sustained grave wounds, with one having subsequently passed away, a grim reminder of the human toll at stake. Their sacrifice in service demands answers, not just rhetoric. How did we miss the warning signs, if there were any?
Trump’s broader message was unmistakable: the Department of Homeland Security is confident the suspect hails from Afghanistan, a region he described with stark concern. “I can report tonight that, based on the best available information, the Department of Homeland Security is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on Earth,” Trump stated in his address. While the language is blunt, it underscores a frustration many share about risks tied to unstable regions.
Balancing Security and Compassion
Let’s be clear -- criticizing flawed policies isn’t the same as turning our backs on those who genuinely need help. The challenge lies in separating the wheat from the chaff, ensuring aid doesn’t become a backdoor for danger. Trump’s review aims to do just that, even if it ruffles feathers among progressive circles.
This incident near the White House isn’t just a wake-up call; it’s a blaring alarm that our vetting systems need a serious overhaul. While some may cry foul over pausing Afghan immigration requests, the reality of two critically injured guardsmen speaks louder than any protest. Safety isn’t negotiable, no matter how noble the intentions behind past programs.
As this review unfolds, the nation watches, hoping for a balance between vigilance and fairness. Trump’s push to remove those who “don’t belong” or “add benefit” will surely spark heated debate, but it’s rooted in a desire to protect American lives. For now, the focus remains on those two brave guardsmen and the unanswered questions surrounding a shooter who slipped through the cracks.




