Trump calls DC National Guard shooting 'act of terror' by Afghan migrant

President Donald Trump has declared the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC an act of terrorism, identifying the suspect as an Afghan national who entered the United States during the 2021 evacuation. In a video statement from Florida, the president announced enhanced security measures and promised severe consequences for the perpetrator.

Terror Designation and Suspect Background

Trump described Wednesday's attack near the White House as "an act of evil and act of hatred and an act of terror," calling it "a crime against our entire nation." He revealed that the suspect, identified in media reports as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US from Afghanistan in September 2021 during the Biden administration's evacuation operations. The president characterized Afghanistan as "a hellhole on earth" and vowed to ensure the attacker "pays the steepest possible price" for the critical injuries sustained by both guardsmen.

Enhanced Security and Immigration Review

The president announced he has directed the Pentagon to deploy an additional 500 troops to bolster security in the nation's capital following what he termed a "monstrous, ambush-style attack." Trump further declared a comprehensive review of "every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden," asserting the administration would "take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country."

Broader Policy Implications

The incident has intensified the Trump administration's focus on immigration enforcement and screening procedures for refugees and migrants from conflict zones. The president's characterization of the attack as terrorism committed by a foreign national admitted during the previous administration reinforces his longstanding criticism of US immigration policies. Trump concluded with a pledge to "make America totally safe again" and deliver "swift and certain justice" for the attack that has heightened security concerns in the Washington DC area.