DC Shooting Sparks Political Firestorm as Press Secretary Leavitt Criticizes President Biden Over Afghan Admissions Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tensions erupted in the nation’s capital on Tuesday after a shooting near the Columbia Heights Metro station left three people injured and triggered a rapid political response from both parties. While police confirmed the incident was not connected to terrorism and that a suspect was taken into custody within hours, the event quickly evolved into a flashpoint for a broader national debate over immigration and public safety.
White House Press Secretary Katherine Leavitt, speaking during an unscheduled press briefing, delivered unusually sharp remarks directed at President Biden’s handling of Afghan refugee admissions. Leavitt criticized what she described as “unchecked entry policies” under the administration’s humanitarian parole program, which has allowed tens of thousands of Afghans to resettle in the United States since 2021.
Although officials later clarified that the shooting suspect was not an Afghan national nor connected to refugee resettlement programs, Leavitt used the moment to highlight what she called broader concerns about security vetting. “For years, this administration has allowed more than 100,000 individuals into the country without the robust screening American families deserve,” she said. “We can support allies without compromising safety, but this White House refuses to strike that balance.”
The remarks were met with immediate pushback from senior Biden advisers, who called the comments “politically opportunistic and factually misleading.” A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security reiterated that Afghans admitted under the humanitarian program underwent “extensive interagency background checks” and emphasized that the D.C. shooting was “unrelated to any immigration matter whatsoever.”
Still, Leavitt’s comments resonated across conservative media, where commentators argued that the administration’s policies have strained local resources and raised concerns in communities receiving large numbers of new arrivals. Several members of Congress aligned with Leavitt echoed her message, calling for hearings on federal vetting procedures.
At the same time, immigrant advocacy groups condemned her remarks, arguing that they unfairly stigmatized Afghan refugees who fled Taliban rule after aiding U.S. forces. “These families risked their lives alongside American troops,” said Farida Mohammadi, director of the Afghan-American Relief Coalition. “Scapegoating them in the wake of an unrelated tragedy is dangerous and divisive.”
The D.C. police chief held a separate briefing emphasizing that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute, not ideological or international factors. “This was a local criminal matter that had nothing to do with foreign policy,” he stated. “We urge elected leaders to avoid speculation while we complete the investigation.”
Despite these clarifications, the political fallout continued. Analysts noted that Leavitt’s unusually confrontational tone toward the president suggested rising tensions within Washington as both parties position themselves ahead of the next election cycle. Some saw it as an attempt to shift national attention toward immigration, an issue consistently ranked among voters’ top concerns.
Meanwhile, residents of the Columbia Heights neighborhood gathered for an evening vigil, focusing not on Washington’s political struggle but on the victims recovering in area hospitals. “We’re used to politicians turning everything into a debate,” one attendee said. “But at the end of the day, this is about our community.”
As investigations continue, the shooting itself may fade from national headlines—but the political storm it ignited is likely just beginning.