In brief
Afghan Americans have condemned the recent shooting in Washington D.C. that claimed the life of a National Guard member, asserting that the actions of the accused do not reflect their community. Amidst calls for compassion and continued support for Afghan refugees, the Afghan Community Coalition encourages thorough investigations while expressing concern over potential immigration policy changes under the Trump administration.
Afghans living in the US have condemned Wednesday's deeply tragic deadly shooting attack in Washington, D.C., while stressing that the suspect - who moved to the US from Afghanistan four years ago - does not represent them.
The alleged gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered America under a programme that offered special immigration protections to Afghans who worked with the US in the wake of its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in Wednesday's shooting, and a colleague, Andrew Wolfe, 24, is said to be fighting for his life.
In response, US President Donald Trump has halted the processing of all immigration requests from Afghans, ordered a review of green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries, and threatened a wider crackdown on migrants from what he calls third-world countries.
The Afghan Community Coalition of United States expressed its sympathy for the families of the victims, calling for a comprehensive investigation but urging the US government not to delay or suspend Afghan immigration claims.
Afghans in America told the BBC they had been horrified by the Washington D.C. attack, emphasizing it was the act of just one person. They noted the timing ahead of Thanksgiving and amid a highly charged political environment in Washington D.C..
Many Afghans expressed fears about policy changes that could impact their status, recalling the twenty years of partnership with the US that should not be forgotten.
Crystal Bayat, an Afghan human rights activist, highlighted the precariousness of their situation, stating, It is very dangerous to punish entire immigrant communities, or the people who stood shoulder to shoulder with the (American) people. She called on President Trump to reconsider and ensure that Afghan refugees continue receiving support.
