US stops processing Afghan immigration requests after attack near White House

US stops processing Afghan immigration requests after attack near White House

World

President Trump says that the shooting near the White House was an act of terror

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said that it has stopped processing all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals indefinitely, after two National Guard soldiers were shot and critically wounded in Washington.

President Donald Trump said that the shooting near the White House was "an act of terror," saying the suspect came from Afghanistan in 2021.

The move follows Trump's call for his government to re-examine Afghan immigrants who entered the United States when Joe Biden was President.

"The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a post on X.

Earlier, two National Guard members were wounded in shooting just blocks from the White House on Wednesday, officials said, prompting swift security responses as police arrested the suspect.

"We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues," West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said.

A suspect, now in custody, was also shot and has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Two National Guard members wounded in shooting near White House

One National Guard member was shot in the head, according to a person familiar with the details of the incident.

President Donald Trump warned in a statement on social media that the “animal” who shot the guardsmen “will pay a very steep price.”

He also wrote on Truth Social, “God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People.”