US, Nov 29 : The United States has immediately suspended visa issuance for Afghan passport holders, following a deadly shooting near the White House that left one National Guard soldier dead and another critically injured. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the action on Friday, emphasizing that protecting Americans remains the administration’s top priority.
In a post on X, Rubio stated, “President Trump’s State Department has paused visa issuance for all individuals travelling on Afghan passports.” The State Department echoed this directive in a formal statement.
The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US in 2021 under the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome program, aimed at resettling Afghan evacuees. Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2022 and was granted protection earlier this year. Local reports indicate he underwent multiple vetting procedures while assisting US intelligence in Afghanistan and again prior to entry. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
The shooting took place around 2:15 pm near the Farragut Square Metro Station in Washington, DC. One National Guard member succumbed to injuries at the hospital, while the other remains in critical condition. Lakanwal was shot by a Guard member intervening at the scene and is now in custody and hospitalised.
Authorities continue to review the suspect’s background, including his decade-long service in the Afghan army and ties to US Special Forces and CIA-linked partner units. Officials are assessing how he was vetted and admitted into the US.
The visa suspension comes amid mounting scrutiny of humanitarian resettlement programs and US immigration policies. The administration has signaled that Afghan nationals will not be allowed to travel to the US until further notice.