WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Authorities have declared a halt, to all Afghan visa requests after a shooting incident in Washington. This determination was taken by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Communicated through social media platforms.
This suspension follows directly after the event in which two members of the National Guard were shot and killed leading to increased security protocols. Officials report that a suspect named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan citizen has been arrested.
Indefinite suspension: All Afghan visa and immigration applications are on hold for an unspecified period.
Security assessment: USCIS indicated it will re-evaluate the security measures and screening processes, for applications to avoid potential future threats.
Current inquiry: U.S. Authorities have signalled that further security protocols are being established in Washington while the probe, into the event progresses.
The shooting event has sparked worries regarding the safety of citizens in the U.S. and the possible dangers linked to the handling of visa requests. Officials have assured the community that halting visa processing is a temporary step taken as the probe, into the event continues.
USCIS has indicated that the halt will stay active until a thorough security evaluation is finished and additional measures are put in place to protect the procedure.
Officials have also indicated that Afghan visa applications may be reopened after a thorough review and once enhanced security measures are in place.
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Washington shooter identified as Afghan national near White House attack
The person who opened fire near the White House has been identified by the police as an Afghan national, after a targeted attack in which two National Guard members were killed happened just a few blocks from the White House. The security has been increased in the locality as the federal authorities are looking into the reason of the incident.
According to U.S. media, the shooter has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, an Afghan-born illegal immigrant who entered the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration.
It has been confirmed by the authorities that two members of the National Guard were shot and killed near the White House in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Media sources reveal that the law enforcement officials came to the scene quickly and with great power. The police have stated that the suspect was apprehended and currently, he is under questioning.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Lewot announced that the administration is closely watching the situation and that President Trump has been informed about the incident. After the shooting, the White House was temporarily closed. The White House vicinity was also sealed off. Police instructed the public to avoid I Street and the adjacent area.
The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security declared that the officials are working hand in hand with the law enforcement to derive more details about the incident.
President Trump was the first to condemn the attack and labelled the shooter an “animal.” Moreover, he promised that the culprit would face punishment.
