A tragic shooting in the heart of Washington, D.C., on Thanksgiving Eve has reignited fierce debate over the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and migrant vetting policies.

This devastating incident near Farragut West Metro Station, which claimed the life of National Guardswoman Sarah Beckstrom and left National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe critically injured, has drawn sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump over the entry of Afghan nationals into the U.S., as Breitbart reports.

The shooting occurred on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through the capital as holiday preparations were underway. The suspected shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the country through the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome in September 2021, following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. That program, meant to assist allies, is now under intense scrutiny.

Trump Slams Lack of Vetting Process

By Thursday night, Trump had seized the moment to address the incident, pointing fingers at what he sees as a reckless oversight in vetting those brought over during the evacuation. He didn’t mince words, arguing that many who boarded those planes were never properly screened.

“There was no checking; they just poured into the plane,” Trump declared, emphasizing his belief that the process was dangerously haphazard. His critique isn’t just a policy jab -- it’s a warning bell for what he views as a broader failure to prioritize national security over progressive ideals. One has to wonder if this tragedy could have been avoided with tighter controls.

Trump went further, claiming that among those evacuated were individuals who “shouldn’t be here,” a statement that’s sure to stir both support and outrage. He insisted his administration had already taken steps to remove some Afghan nationals deemed problematic. It’s a bold claim, though the specifics remain murky.

Call for Reexamination and Migration Pause

On Wednesday, Trump announced plans to “reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan,” signaling a hardline stance that resonates with those frustrated by perceived border laxity. It’s a promise of accountability, though the logistics of such a sweeping review raise eyebrows.

Then, on Thanksgiving Day, Trump dropped a bombshell, vowing to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries.” It’s a drastic measure, one that plays to his base’s desire for tightened immigration but risks alienating those who see migration as a humanitarian duty. Will this rhetoric translate into actionable policy, or is it a holiday headline grabber?

Trump also took a swipe at broader immigration challenges, referencing issues in Minnesota with Somali communities as a parallel concern. He suggested Afghan entrants “can’t be happy about what’s going on,” hinting at cultural or social tensions. It’s a loaded comment, but one framed as empathy rather than accusation.

Shooting Labeled as Act of Terror

Perhaps most striking was Trump’s characterization of the shooting as an “act of terror.” That label carries weight, framing the incident not just as a crime but as a national security threat. It’s a term that demands attention -- and likely fuels calls for tougher measures.

The loss of Sarah Beckstrom, a dedicated National Guardswoman, and the critical condition of Andrew Wolfe are stark reminders of the human toll behind these policy debates. Their service and sacrifice deserve more than political point-scoring, yet the incident inevitably becomes a flashpoint.

Critics of the Biden administration might argue that Operation Allies Welcome, while well-intentioned, rushed to open doors without enough safeguards. Supporters, however, could counter that such programs are a moral obligation after decades of war. The truth likely lies in a messy middle, but tragedies like this tilt the conversation toward caution.

Policy Promises Amid Public Grief

Trump’s response, while polarizing, taps into a real unease about how the Afghanistan withdrawal was managed. His pledge to revisit every Afghan entrant’s status is a tall order, but it’s a clear signal of intent to prioritize security over optics. Will it resonate with a public still grieving this loss?

The proposed migration pause from Third World nations is an even bigger swing, one that could reshape U.S. policy if enacted. It’s a classic Trump move -- bold, unapologetic, and dismissive of progressive pushback. Yet, in the wake of such a tragedy, even skeptics might pause to consider the cost of unchecked entry.

As Washington, D.C., mourns, the conversation around vetting and migration isn’t going away. Trump’s words have lit a fire under an already heated issue, ensuring that every step forward will be watched closely. For now, the nation grieves Sarah Beckstrom and prays for Andrew Wolfe, hoping answers -- and solutions -- aren’t far behind.