Tragic Shooting Near White House: Afghan National Faces Upgraded Murder Charges

An Afghan national living in the US has been charged with first-degree murder after a shooting near the White House left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The incident has reignited debates on the migration policies during the transitions between Trump and Biden administrations.

The US attorney for the District of Columbia announced the elevation of charges to first-degree murder against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, following the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, both part of the West Virginia National Guard, were critically shot near the White House on a Wednesday afternoon.

Lakanwal, who was admitted to the US under 'Operation Allies Welcome' in 2021, worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War. The incident has spurred criticism from former President Trump, who labeled it a 'terrorist attack' and criticized the Biden administration for its migrant policies concerning Afghans who aided US forces.

As investigations continue, attention is on the suspect's background, including his ties with CIA-backed Afghan units. Meanwhile, calls have been made for intensive scrutiny of Afghan resettlement under Biden's administration amidst security concerns over vetting processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)