Former US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, blaming them for the deadly shooting near the White House that killed two National Guard members. Trump claims their immigration policies allowed “unchecked and unvetted” migrants into the country, linking them to the tragedy.
On his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Crooked Joe Biden, Mayorkas, and so-called ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris really screwed our country by letting anyone and everyone come in totally unchecked and unvetted.” His comments have fueled national debate over the safety of US immigration programs and refugee policies.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also criticized Biden’s administration. DHS said the attacker “should never have been in this country” and called the policies that admitted him an “act of national self-sabotage.” They announced that all immigration requests from Afghan nationals are now paused pending a review of security and vetting procedures.
Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary, placed the responsibility directly on Biden, saying the accused’s application to enter the US was processed under his administration. She added that the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom is a direct consequence of the administration’s policies.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed, and Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, was seriously injured. The accused, 29-year-old Lakanwal, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. This shocking incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of US immigration and refugee vetting processes.
Lakanwal had served in the Afghan Army’s “Zero Unit,” a special forces team working with US troops. He arrived in the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome after the US withdrew from Afghanistan. He later settled in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Emails to the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) suggested he struggled to adjust to life in the United States.
A common question many are asking is: Could the shooting have been prevented with stricter immigration vetting?
Experts say stronger vetting and monitoring in refugee programs may help reduce risks. While no system is perfect, the tragedy has intensified calls for stricter immigration policies and security measures to protect both citizens and new arrivals.
Trump and other Republican leaders are now demanding tighter immigration rules, arguing that national security must be prioritized. The debate is expected to continue as lawmakers review current programs and consider reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.