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DC National Guard Shooting: FBI Launches Terror Probe After Attack on Immigrant Soldiers

A shocking attack on soldiers guarding a critical US capital facility has triggered a major FBI investigation, revealing complex connections to Afghanistan's recent history and prompting immediate changes to American refugee programs.

A routine security assignment turned into a scene of horror at a critical Washington DC facility this week, when a gunman opened fire on National Guard troops, leaving two soldiers critically injured. The incident, which occurred on November 27, 2025, has rapidly evolved from a local violent crime investigation into a federal counter-terrorism operation, sending shockwaves through the US military and immigration systems.

The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Hisham Amin, was reportedly a legal permanent resident of the United States who had served in the US-backed Afghan military prior to his relocation to America. The shooting took place at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) facility in Springfield, Virginia, just outside Washington DC, a high-security site that handles sensitive satellite and mapping intelligence.

The two victims, members of the DC National Guard, remain in critical condition. The attack has forced a painful re-examination of the vetting processes for Afghan allies who were evacuated following the Taliban takeover in 2021, and it has placed the US refugee resettlement program under intense scrutiny.

The Attack and the Victims

The shooting occurred during a shift change at the NGA facility. According to reports from ABC News, the gunman approached the checkpoint and opened fire without warning. The two National Guard members, who were manning the security post, sustained life-threatening injuries.

The FBI officially took the lead on the investigation shortly after the incident, classifying it as a potential act of terrorism. "We are looking into all possible motivations, including radicalization," a senior law enforcement official stated. The rapid escalation to a federal terror probe suggests that intelligence recovered from the suspect's digital footprint or personal history points toward a premeditated political or ideological motive.

The choice of target is significant. The NGA is part of the US Intelligence Community, providing geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) in support of national security objectives. Attacking a facility of this nature elevates the incident beyond a simple workplace violence scenario, suggesting a deliberate strike against US government infrastructure.

The Suspect: A "Zero Unit" Veteran

The identity of the shooter has added a layer of complexity to the tragedy. Hisham Amin, a citizen of Afghanistan, reportedly entered the United States under the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, designed to protect Afghan allies who worked with the US military during the two-decade war.

Investigative reporting by CBS News has highlighted the suspect's alleged military background, specifically his association with the Afghan "Zero Units." These were elite Afghan special operations forces, trained and equipped by US Navy SEALs and the CIA. The Zero Units were renowned for their effectiveness in counter-terrorism operations against the Taliban and ISIS-K.

However, after the chaotic US withdrawal from Kabul in 2021, the fate of these elite soldiers became precarious. While many were evacuated to the US, others were left behind or were forced to go into hiding. The fact that a former member of such a specialized US-allied force is now accused of attacking American soldiers has sparked intense debate regarding the vetting processes for these evacuees.

"It is a deeply troubling scenario," noted a security analyst. "These individuals were our partners in the war. To see one allegedly turn on the very military that trained him raises difficult questions about radicalization that may have occurred either before or after his arrival in the US."

Immediate Fallout: Immigration Suspensions

The repercussions of the shooting were felt almost immediately within the US immigration system. In a swift response, the US government has temporarily suspended the issuance of travel documents to Afghans seeking entry into the United States.

As reported by the BBC, the suspension affects various humanitarian programs, including the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and other refugee pathways. This pause is ostensibly to allow for a "thorough review of security vetting procedures," according to statements from the Department of Homeland Security.

This decision has left thousands of Afghan families in limbo. Many have waited years for approval to come to the US, having risked their lives working with American forces or advocating for human rights. The suspension highlights the tension between national security imperatives and humanitarian commitments—a balance that has become increasingly difficult to strike since the 2021 withdrawal.

Context: The Legacy of the Afghan Relocation Effort

To understand the current situation, one must look back at the events of August 2021. The fall of Kabul to the Taliban led to the largest non-combatant evacuation in US history. Over 80,000 Afghans were airlifted out of the country in a matter of days.

While this was hailed as a humanitarian triumph at the time, the speed of the evacuation inevitably meant that vetting was conducted under extreme pressure. Intelligence officials have long warned that the Taliban or ISIS-K could attempt to infiltrate the US through these refugee streams.

The "Zero Units" mentioned in the CBS report were instrumental in the US war effort. They conducted dangerous raids alongside American special forces. However, because these units operated in the shadows, records of their members can be fragmented and difficult to verify. The suspect in the DC shooting reportedly had documentation proving his service, which facilitated his entry into the US. Yet, the question remains: could his radicalization have been missed, or did it develop after his arrival?

The Broader Impact on US-Afghan Relations

This incident risks straining the delicate relationship between the US and the Afghan diaspora. For Afghan-Americans and legal residents, the shooting casts a shadow of suspicion over a community already grappling with the trauma of displacement.

Furthermore, the suspension of visa processing could have long-term diplomatic consequences. It signals a shift toward a more defensive posture regarding Afghan refugees, potentially endangering those still in Afghanistan who are actively targeted by the Taliban.

Security experts suggest that the US must now implement more rigorous "after-arrival" monitoring of refugees from conflict zones, a move that could spark privacy concerns but may be deemed necessary to prevent similar incidents.

Future Outlook: Security and Policy Shifts

As the FBI continues its probe, several potential outcomes are emerging:

1. Tightened Vetting Protocols: We can expect a permanent overhaul of the vetting software and interview processes for SIVs and refugee admissions. Biometric data sharing and extended background checks may become standard.
2. Intelligence Failures: If the suspect exhibited warning signs prior to the attack, there will likely be a Congressional inquiry into why those signals were missed. This could lead to reforms in how the US monitors individuals who have served in foreign militaries.
3. Political Fallout: The shooting provides ammunition to critics of the Biden administration's handling of the 2021 withdrawal. It will likely fuel debates in Congress regarding the scope of refugee resettlement programs.

Interesting Fact: The NGA's Role

While the shooting has focused attention on the security of the facility, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) itself is a fascinating entity. Often described as the "eyes of the US," the NGA is responsible for analyzing imagery from satellites and aircraft to create maps and charts used by the US military and intelligence community. Without the NGA, the US military would be effectively blind on the battlefield. The fact that the suspect targeted a place dedicated to "seeing" the world suggests a symbolic intent to blind the US intelligence apparatus.

Conclusion

The Washington DC National Guard shooting is a tragedy that encapsulates the lingering wounds of the war in Afghanistan. It involves heroes who served their country—both the victims and the alleged perpetrator—caught in a complex web of geopolitics, immigration, and radicalization.

As the two soldiers fight for their lives, the United States faces the difficult task of ensuring security without abandoning the allies who stood with American forces for twenty years. The investigation will continue to unravel the motives of Hisham Amin, but the consequences of this attack will be felt across immigration queues, military checkpoints, and diplomatic halls for a long time to come.

This article is based on verified reports from ABC News, BBC News, and CBS News. The investigation is ongoing, and details may change as new information is released by federal authorities.