DOJO – A 38-year-old Afghan asylum holder who once worked with U.S. forces as an interpreter is now suspected in the deadly Washington, D.C. shooting that claimed the life of a National Guard member and left another critically injured, authorities say. The attack unfolded near a residential complex on Saturday night and has triggered renewed security concerns surrounding asylum processing and vetting.
What happened on the night of the shooting?
Police say the two National Guard members were walking back to their vehicle after duty when a gunman approached and opened fire without warning. One guard member died at the scene while the second remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital. Witnesses reported chaos as residents fled for safety, and several vehicles were struck by stray bullets.
Officers responding to the scene followed surveillance footage that led them to a suspect living in a nearby apartment. According to investigators, the man had been granted asylum after assisting U.S. operations overseas. He was taken into custody hours later.
Suspect’s background and early findings
Authorities confirmed that the suspect previously supported American military units during operations in Afghanistan. He later entered the United States through the Special Immigrant Visa pathway before transitioning into the asylum system.
Investigators say they recovered a handgun believed to be used in the shooting. However, they emphasized that the motive remains unclear. They are now examining the suspect’s communication records, recent movements, and any past conflicts that might explain the attack.
Officials stressed that although the man is a prime suspect, he has not been charged, and the investigation is ongoing.
Community response and next steps
Local leaders expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised first responders for their swift reaction. The National Guard issued a statement honoring the service of the fallen member and pledging full support to the survivor’s family.
Authorities are expected to release additional details once ballistic testing and witness interviews are completed.
