The Trump administration has announced a pause on all asylum decisions following a shooting that left two National Guard members in critical condition near the White House. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, emphasized that the halt will remain in place “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in the hospitalization of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, aged 24. Tragically, President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday evening that Beckstrom had succumbed to her injuries. The accused shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was among approximately 76,000 Afghans resettled in the United States following the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This program, known as Operation Allies Welcome, aimed to provide refuge to those who opposed the Taliban, although it has faced criticism for its implementation.
The shooting incident has raised concerns regarding the vetting process for Afghan refugees, particularly as Lakanwal had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan. Resettlement advocates stress that the actions of one individual should not tarnish the reputation of the entire Afghan refugee community.
Hong Kong Fire Death Toll Reaches 128
In a separate tragedy, the death toll from a devastating fire in a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 128, with many others still unaccounted for. Firefighters discovered numerous bodies in the aftermath of the blaze, which engulfed seven buildings. Authorities revealed that fire alarms in the complex, which primarily housed older residents, did not activate during the emergency.
As investigations continue, eight individuals involved in the building’s renovation have been arrested, including scaffolding subcontractors and project managers. The fire spread rapidly due to the presence of bamboo scaffolding and highly flammable foam panels. Emergency responders have prioritized searches of apartments from which they received distress calls, and the fire was fully extinguished by Friday morning.
Ukrainian Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Corruption Investigation
In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, after anti-corruption investigators conducted a search of his residence. This unprecedented action represents a significant challenge for Zelenskyy, particularly as he navigates ongoing negotiations with the United States for support in the wake of the Russian invasion.
Yermak, who has been a close advisor to Zelenskyy, faced scrutiny as Kyiv is under pressure to reach a peace agreement nearly four years after the conflict began. The search of his home could complicate the government’s efforts to maintain stability during these critical negotiations.
Trump Plans Pardon for Former Honduran President
President Trump also expressed intentions to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking and weapons charges. In a statement on social media, Trump claimed that Hernandez had been “treated very harshly and unfairly” by the legal system.
Hernandez was convicted last year in the United States for conspiring to import cocaine and had previously served two terms as the president of Honduras. His conviction has stirred significant controversy and debate regarding U.S. foreign policy in Central America.
Israeli Forces Conduct Deadly Raid in Southern Syria
In international news, Israeli forces have conducted a raid in the village of Beit Jin in southern Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, according to Syrian officials. This incident marks the deadliest Israeli operation since their troops took control of parts of southern Syria following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the raid as a “horrific massacre,” asserting that among the deceased were women and children. In contrast, Israel stated that its forces were targeting suspects from the Jamaa Islamiya militant group and returned fire after being attacked. Local witnesses reported that many of the casualties were civilians, raising further concerns about the humanitarian impact of military operations in the region.
Guinea-Bissau Military Appoints New Prime Minister
In Guinea-Bissau, military leaders have appointed Ilídio Vieira Té, a close ally of deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, as the new prime minister following a coup that occurred shortly after disputed elections. The military seized power on Wednesday, just three days after the elections, with opposition groups alleging that the coup was orchestrated to prevent an electoral defeat.
Calm has returned to the capital, and the curfew imposed after the coup has been lifted. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies until constitutional order is restored.
Russia Bans Human Rights Watch Amid Crackdown on Dissent
In Russia, authorities have officially designated Human Rights Watch as an “undesirable organization,” rendering any association with the group a criminal offense. This decision, announced by the Russian Prosecutor General’s office, underscores the ongoing crackdown on dissent in the country, which has intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The ruling forces Human Rights Watch to cease all operations within Russia and places individuals who support or collaborate with the organization at risk of prosecution. This move further highlights the challenges faced by activists and journalists in a country where freedom of expression continues to be severely restricted.
Thailand Flood Death Toll Surpasses 145
The death toll from devastating floods in southern Thailand has reached at least 145, according to officials. More than 1.2 million households and approximately 3.6 million people have been impacted across 12 provinces. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat reported that at least 110 fatalities occurred in Songkhla province alone.
As floodwaters recede, search and rescue efforts have improved, revealing extensive damage, including overturned vehicles and debris-laden streets. The disaster has caused significant disruption, leaving thousands stranded and complicating recovery efforts.
Arrest Made in Louvre Heist Investigation
In Paris, a man believed to be the fourth member of the gang involved in the recent theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum has been arrested. The Paris prosecutor confirmed that the gang is now thought to be entirely in custody. The 39-year-old suspect has a history of criminal activity, with six previous convictions, and faces preliminary charges related to robbery and criminal conspiracy.
The heist involved two individuals breaking into the museum’s Apollo Gallery while two accomplices waited outside on motorbikes to facilitate their escape. The case continues to develop as authorities investigate the details of this high-profile crime.
