AHRC Condemns D.C. Shooting, Opposes Weaponizing Immigration Against Vulnerable Communities

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins the nation in mourning the tragic loss of West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in an ambush attack outside a Metro station in Washington, D.C. We also extend our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who was critically injured in the same attack.

The attack is under investigation as a possible terrorist attack. Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who previously worked as a member of an Afghan CIA partner force in Afghanistan until 2021.

AHRC unequivocally condemns this vile act of violence, regardless of the motive of the shooter. At the same time, we caution against collective blame and generalizations that unfairly target Afghan asylees, migrants, or any community based on race, faith, or national origin.

The Trump administration has pursued restrictive, harsh, and inhumane immigration policies, and the recent shooting in Washington, D.C., is being used to intensify and escalate this agenda and as ammunition in the war on immigration, both legal and illegal.

The Wall Street Journal of November 28 published an article entitled ‘After D.C. National Guard Shooting, Trump Steps Up Immigration Crackdown: White House pushes for ‘reverse migration’ and aims to expand restrictions on nations it deems high risk,’ an article that should raise alarm in the human rights community. The harsh and inhumane immigration policy started before the shooting. No criminal violent act makes a barely legal and inhumane policy acceptable.

We recognize the importance of effective security vetting, as emphasized by President Trump, but stress that broad crackdowns or sweeping labels against entire communities are extreme measures that foster fear, anxiety, and mistrust. They are also ineffective and counterproductive. The US already has high-level vetting process in place.

AHRC stands in solidarity with the families of the victims, expresses its deepest condolences for the loss of Sarah Beckstrom, and prays for the recovery of Andrew Wolfe.

“We are concerned with the harsh immigration policy of this administration,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “There is no evidence that a harsh and inhumane immigration policy makes the country safer or richer,” added Hamad. "Reverse migration is not the policy of a democracy that embraces human rights and democratic values," concluded Hamad.