The federal government has suspended all asylum decisions and halted visa issuance for travelers using Afghan passports following Wednesday’s attack that left one West Virginia National Guard member dead and another critically wounded near the White House. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized.
Authorities have charged 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome. He applied for asylum under the previous administration and was granted it earlier this year. Federal prosecutors say he now faces charges including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill while armed.
Officials say the nationwide pause on asylum rulings and Afghan visa issuance will remain in place while agencies reassess vetting procedures. Lawmakers from both parties called for a thorough review of the shooting and emphasized the need to maintain confidence in the nation’s immigration and security processes.
Investigators search for motive
Lakanwal lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his family and previously worked as an Amazon Flex contractor. Neighbors described him as quiet and said he had struggled to find work in recent months. Investigators say he launched an ambush-style attack near a Metro station before being subdued by nearby National Guard personnel who ran toward the gunfire.
Federal agents executed search warrants in Washington state and several other locations as part of the expanding investigation. Authorities say Lakanwal previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit before coming to the United States.
Immigration processes paused nationwide
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that asylum decisions are on hold until officials complete a review of vetting procedures. At the same time, the State Department has paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. Both agencies have indicated the pauses are temporary but necessary for updated security assessments.
Security bolstered in Washington
The administration has ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to the capital as part of its broader security response. Nearly 2,200 Guard personnel have been operating in Washington since August, and deployments are expected to increase as the investigation continues.
Beckstrom, who enlisted in 2023 and volunteered for the mission in Washington, was honored with a moment of silence at West Virginia University’s football game on Saturday. Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and no additional suspects are being sought.
