Noem says National Guard shooting suspect was 'radicalized' in the U.S. [View all]

Source: NBC News

Nov. 30, 2025, 9:02 AM EST / Updated Nov. 30, 2025, 10:44 AM EST


WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Sunday that authorities believe the suspect in the National Guard shooting was radicalized in the U.S. and that the asylum process for migrants would resume once the administration has dealt with a backlog of applications under new standards following the attack.

Her comments come after Trump said he would “permanently pause” migration from “third world countries” after the suspect in the National Guard shooting was identified as an Afghan national. NBC News previously reported that the suspect was granted asylum this year.

Noem said during Sunday’s interview that the administration believes that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was “radicalized since he’s been here in this country.” “We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we’re going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him,” Noem said.

In a separate interview on ABC News' "This Week," Noem said that the suspect "could have been radicalized" in the U.S. NBC News has reported that Lakanwal, who served alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan, came to the U.S. in 2021, during the Biden administration, but was granted asylum during the Trump administration.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/kristi-noem-radicalized-dc-national-guard-asylum-shooting-rcna246477