• Kristi Noem claims National Guard shooting suspect was radicalized after arriving in the U.S.
• Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, opened fire in Washington, D.C., leaving one soldier dead.
• Investigators are focusing on Lakanwal's connections within his community in the U.S.
• The Biden administration's vetting process has come under scrutiny after the incident.
• The Trump administration has paused asylum applications in response.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that authorities suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the accused shooter in the National Guard attack, was "radicalized since he's been here in this country." Lakanwal, 29, entered the U.S. in 2021 during the evacuation of Afghans after the Taliban takeover and was granted asylum in April of the same year. The shooting incident occurred near the White House, resulting in the death of one National Guardsman and critical injuries to another, according to ABC News, Reuters, and CBS News.

Noem elaborated that investigators believe Lakanwal's radicalization may have stemmed from connections in his home community while in the U.S. She indicated that those connected to him will be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation, as reported by Channel News Asia and India Times.

Criticism surrounding the vetting process during the Biden administration has intensified, with Noem asserting that Lakanwal was inadequately vetted prior to being allowed entry. She claimed this oversight contributed to the current situation, as emphasized by South China Morning Post and ABC News.

Following the shooting, the Trump administration initiated a suspension of asylum applications and indicated that there might be further restrictions on immigration. Noem noted that the administration would consider deportations of individuals with pending asylum claims if warranted, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.