Trump calls the DC shooting of two National Guard troops an “act of terror”. [Photo: X]
US President Donald Trump condemned Wednesday’s shooting of two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., calling it an “act of terror” and a crime against the nation. The shooting happened just blocks from the White House. The suspect is in custody after a gun battle with guardsmen.
Speaking to the media, Trump blamed the previous administration for the assault. He said the suspect came from Afghanistan on a 2021 airlift and scathingly described the country as a “hellhole.” He added, "This was a heinous assault and an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity."
Trump vowed to re‑examine all Afghan entrants to the U.S., saying he will “re‑examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan” under the previous administration.
Trump strongly criticised the previous Joe Biden administration for allowing the suspect into the US during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation. He described Afghanistan as a “hellhole” and said the suspect had arrived in America through that airlift.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, "This was a heinous assault and an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity."
He further promised tougher scrutiny of individuals who entered the US during Biden’s presidency, saying his administration would “re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan.”
Authorities said the attack took place only a short distance from the White House, raising concerns about security in one of the most protected zones in the country. The mayor called it a deliberate act targeting the Guard members, heightening fear and tension in the city.
The shooting happened in broad daylight, making it one of the most alarming incidents in the capital in recent months. Emergency teams reached the spot quickly and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Trump’s remarks immediately shifted the debate toward national security and border controls. His accusation against the previous administration signals a renewed political clash over immigration, refugee vetting, and the handling of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
Security analysts say this incident could lead to tighter federal review processes, especially for individuals who entered the US through emergency evacuations. The incident may also revive discussions on domestic protection for federal personnel, particularly those stationed in high-risk zones.
While investigations continue, Trump’s comments have triggered a fresh political storm. His accusation that the suspect came from Biden’s 2021 airlift — and his use of the phrase “hellhole Afghanistan” — is expected to fuel partisan debate in the coming days.
The White House has not yet responded to the remarks, but political observers believe the shooting will deepen the divide over immigration policy and the federal government’s security obligations.
Following Trump’s pledge to “re-examine” all Afghan entrants from the Biden era, several lawmakers have already called for a bipartisan review of refugee vetting systems. They argue that both administrations need to reassess how emergency evacuations are handled to prevent future security lapses.
This shooting is likely to push Congress to revisit intelligence-sharing mechanisms, background check systems, and federal protocols for rapid evacuations.
