Trump says asylum pause will last ‘a long time’ after National Guard shooting near White House

US President Donald Trump said his administration intends to maintain a pause on asylum decisions "for a long time" after an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one. When pressed on how long the pause would last, Mr Trump said he had "no time limit" in mind. The Department of Homeland Security has linked the measure to a list of 19 countries already subject to US travel restrictions.

Key developments

Shooting near the White House

The suspect allegedly shot two National Guard service members on Wednesday in Washington, DC. US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed. Her fellow service member, US Air Force Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Vigils have been held in West Virginia and elsewhere to honor the fallen soldier and support her family.

President's response and asylum pause

Mr Trump said he invited the slain soldier's family to the White House, telling reporters he had spoken with the parents who were "devastated." He defended the decision to maintain the asylum pause, saying, "We don't want those people... many have been no good, and they shouldn't be in our country." The Department of Homeland Security says the pause is connected to existing travel restrictions on 19 countries.

Suspect's background

Authorities have named the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He was reportedly granted asylum in April 2025 after arriving in the United States in September 2021 under an Operation Allies Welcome programme. Some reports say he previously worked with CIA‑backed units in Afghanistan. Local and federal officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack.

Claims about radicalization

Kristi Noem, a prominent Trump ally and former governor of South Dakota, asserted the suspect had been "radicalized" in the United States and criticized the prior administration. Officials note, however, that the suspect's asylum claim was approved under the Trump administration in 2025, a fact that has been highlighted in coverage of the case.

Clemency and legal developments

Mr Trump granted clemency to private equity executive David Gentile, who had begun a seven‑year prison sentence after being convicted in a scheme prosecutors described as involving about $1.6bn. Gentile, founder and former CEO of GPB Capital and 59 years old, reportedly reported to prison on 14 November and was listed as released later in November.

DHS oversight concerns

Former federal oversight officials have warned that the Department of Homeland Security's internal watchdog functions — which handle complaints about civil rights violations, including those in immigration detention — have been significantly weakened. Experts say those changes, combined with stepped-up immigration enforcement, raise concerns that safeguards against rights abuses are eroding.

International and political items

In Central America, Hondurans began voting amid threats from Mr Trump to cut US aid if his preferred candidate does not win. Polls showed a closely contested race to replace President Xiomara Castro, with several candidates running in a competitive field. Mr Trump also confirmed he had spoken with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, without providing details of the conversation.

Other developments

Observers have noted increased outreach between high-profile international figures and the Trump administration, including attention on why FIFA president Gianni Infantino and others have courted relations with Mr Trump. The president's family has also been linked to a global business push since the re-election, drawing scrutiny across regions from Southeast Asia to Europe.

Authorities continue to investigate the shooting and the wider implications for immigration and national security policy. This roundup summarizes the major political, legal and security developments tied to the president and his administration through 29 November.