US President Donald Trump strongly criticised former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris after a tragic shooting near the White House left two members of the West Virginia National Guard dead or seriously injured. The attacker was identified as an Afghan man who had entered the United States several years earlier. Trump said that Biden and Harris had allowed people to enter the country without proper checks, which he claimed led to this violent incident.
In a post on his social media platform, he accused the earlier administration of damaging the country’s security. He said that migrants were being allowed to cross into the United States “unchecked and unvetted,” creating risks for Americans. His comments came during a period of intense debate about border control, immigration policies, and the handling of people entering the country from conflict zones.
The reaction followed a tragic event that took place just before Thanksgiving. Two young members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot near the White House. One of them, a 20-year-old specialist, lost her life, while the other, a 24-year-old staff sergeant, was seriously injured. The accused attacker, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was quickly taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder.
The man had previously served in an Afghan special military unit that had worked closely with American troops. After the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021, he came to the United States as part of a programme meant to assist Afghan allies. He later moved to Washington state with his wife and five children, where he was trying to settle into civilian life.
However, emails reportedly sent to a refugee support committee showed that he had been struggling to adjust to life in the country. These messages reportedly mentioned challenges related to mental health, finances, and the pressure of supporting his family in a new environment. These details added another layer to the public discussion about the systems in place for helping refugees transition into American society.
Following the attack, the Department of Homeland Security issued a strong statement criticising the previous administration’s policies. Officials said that the suspect should never have been allowed into the country under the screening rules that were in place at the time. They described the earlier approach as an “act of national self-sabotage,” suggesting that it weakened the nation’s security by not properly vetting individuals arriving from conflict zones.
The department announced that all immigration processes involving Afghan nationals would be paused until further review. Officials said they would examine how applicants were being screened and whether the current procedures were strong enough to prevent security risks. The decision reflected the seriousness with which the department was treating the incident as well as the broader policy questions it raised.
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One senior official in the department said that responsibility for the tragedy lies with the earlier administration because the suspect began his immigration process when Biden was in office. According to her, the death of the young specialist was the result of failures in how applications were handled. She said that if the rules had been stronger and background checks more thorough, the suspect might not have been allowed into the country.
The comments from both the President and security officials added fuel to the already heated political debate about immigration and border control. Supporters of stricter immigration measures argued that the incident proved the need for tougher checks and a more cautious approach to admitting people from conflict-affected regions. They said that national security must come first, especially when there are warnings or signs that individuals might be struggling after arrival.
On the other hand, critics of the President’s remarks said that it was wrong to blame an entire community or refugee group for the actions of one person. They warned that such statements could create fear or stigma around Afghan families who supported American forces during the war and later sought protection in the United States. They also pointed out that many refugees face trauma, displacement and significant emotional stress, and need support rather than political attacks.
The tragic death of the young National Guard specialist has deeply affected the military community and the nation as a whole. She was only 20 years old and had joined the service with a strong sense of duty. Her colleague, who remains in serious condition, was known to be highly dedicated as well. Their families and communities are receiving support as investigations continue.
The incident has also raised questions about how much support refugees receive once they arrive in the country. Reports show that the accused had contacted a refugee support group multiple times for help. These messages suggested he felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure about how to cope with life in a new country. Experts say that such challenges, if not addressed, can lead to emotional crises or instability.
As the investigation moves forward, the political debate is likely to intensify. The President has said that immigration rules will be tightened and vetting procedures strengthened. Security agencies are reviewing how background checks were handled in the past, especially during chaotic evacuation periods.
Opposition leaders, refugee organisations, and human rights groups are preparing responses of their own. They argue that policy decisions should be based on calm analysis rather than anger and fear. They also say that refugees should not be blamed for the incident, especially when most of them come to the United States seeking safety and stability.
While officials continue their inquiry, the incident has already become a major point of discussion in national politics. It highlights the challenge of balancing security concerns with humanitarian commitments, and how fragile that balance can become when tragic events occur.
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