Washington, D.C.– Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) condemns the senseless violence that claimed the life of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. At the same time, LSSNCA is deeply alarmed by the administration’s actions targeting individuals and families from Afghanistan following this devastating incident in the nation’s capital.
“We are heartbroken by this tragedy, and our prayers are with the families of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe,” said Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO. “We are also concerned by the inflammatory rhetoric and series of reactionary policies targeting people from Afghanistan based on the actions of one individual.”
In recent days, the administration has:
- Halted visa issuance for Afghan nationals,
- Suspended all asylum application decisions,
- Called for the re-examination of cases of individuals from Afghanistan admitted into the United States under the Biden administration, and
- Ordered a review of legal permanent status for individuals from 19 countries, including Afghanistan.
These directives follow an earlier memo ordering the reopening of nearly a quarter of a million refugee cases for individuals resettled in the United States between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025.
“This is a time for unity, not division,” said Peck. “Our shared faith traditions compel us to uphold the inherent dignity of every person. These sweeping actions inflict further harm on our neighbors and friends – many of whom served alongside U.S. forces – to whom we promised safety and solidarity,” she said.
LSSNCA calls on leaders and communities to embrace civility, reject fear-driven rhetoric, and be in solidarity with our refugee and immigrant neighbors. Our response in moments of tragedy is a true measure of how faithfully we live out our values of welcoming the stranger.
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