The suspect, identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 during Biden’s Afghan resettlement program, allegedly opened fire on Guard personnel stationed close to the executive residence. The attack has triggered a nationwide security debate and an immediate political firestorm.

Trump: “A crime against our nation”

Speaking from Florida, Trump described the shooting as “an act of evil” and “a crime against humanity,” saying the attack symbolized what he views as the failures of Biden-era migration decisions. He argued that the suspect should never have been allowed into the country and accused the previous administration of “flooding America with unknown foreigners.”

Trump added that Afghanistan had become “a hellhole on Earth,” and warned that poorly vetted resettlements under Biden created unnecessary risks for American communities.

500 more National Guard troops sent to Washington

In response to the attack, Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, DC, citing the need to strengthen protection and increase visibility around key government buildings. Federal agencies have also been instructed to fast-track threat assessments connected to the Afghan migrant population admitted between 2021 and 2022.

Immediate government action: Afghan immigration paused

Following the shooting and Trump’s directive, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services placed an indefinite halt on all pending Afghan-related immigration petitions. Officials say the review will include background checks, flight logs, and vetting criteria used during the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Broader political backlash

Trump’s remarks have intensified partisan tensions, with supporters saying the incident validates his longstanding concerns over national security, while critics accuse him of exploiting a tragedy to attack migrants. However, the administration insists the review is necessary to prevent future threats.

A renewed flashpoint in U.S. immigration politics

The shooting—within sight of the White House—has reignited one of the most heated debates in Washington: whether America’s refugee and immigration systems were properly managed during Biden’s presidency. Trump’s forceful response signals that immigration enforcement and national security will remain central priorities for his administration moving forward.