An Afghan national accused of fatally shooting two U.S. National Guard members near the White House on November 26 will face first-degree murder charges, federal prosecutors announced Friday. The attack has intensified debates about immigration policy as former President Donald Trump, who returned to office earlier this year, pledged to suspend migration from what he termed "Third World Countries."
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal will be charged with premeditated murder following the ambush that killed 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and left 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential terrorist act.
In a Thanksgiving call with troops on November 27, Trump described the shooting as a "terrorist attack," later announcing on Truth Social: "I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover." The declaration builds on his administration's June 2025 travel restrictions targeting 19 nations, including Afghanistan.
The policy shift reverses measures implemented during President Joe Biden's 2021-2025 term, which had eased some immigration restrictions. Homeland Security officials confirm they are reviewing asylum cases and green cards issued under the previous administration, particularly for citizens from the listed countries.
While Trump did not specify which nations would be affected, the November 28 DHS statement referenced existing travel bans. The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. border security and visa screening processes.
