The Trump administration has announced the suspension of all asylum decisions after a tragic shooting incident involving National Guard members in Washington, D.C. A senior immigration official confirmed that this pause aims to ensure rigorous vetting of all individuals seeking asylum in the United States.

Joseph Edlow, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated on social media that asylum decisions will remain on hold “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.” This move highlights ongoing debates around immigration policy and security in America.

The announcement followed the upgrade of charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the alleged shooter, to first-degree murder after one of the injured National Guard members succumbed to their injuries. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was critically injured during the attack, alongside Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, during an event near the White House.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously collaborated with the CIA, now faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed as part of a federal crime-fighting initiative, underscoring the intertwining of military and government policy in addressing public safety.

Trump labeled the shooting a “terrorist attack” and criticized the Biden administration for its handling of Afghan refugees who assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan conflict. He has repeatedly advocated for a “permanent pause on migration” from economically disadvantaged nations and supports measures to expel millions of immigrants from the U.S.

In an interview with Fox News, Pirro indicated that additional charges beyond the upgraded murder charge would likely follow. She expressed her condolences to Beckstrom’s family, highlighting the risks faced by those who serve in the National Guard.

While Wolfe’s condition remains critical, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Beckstrom. Lakanwal, who resided in Bellingham, Washington, lives with his wife and five children. He entered the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden initiative intended to resettle Afghan nationals after the U.S. withdrawal.

Trump reiterated the importance of vetting Afghan refugees, urging a reinvestigation of all individuals admitted under this program, which has faced scrutiny from various political factions. Advocates stress that the program provided essential support to those at risk of Taliban retaliation.