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USCIS halts 'all asylum decisions' after DC shooting of National Guard members
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday that it has halted all asylum decisions following the shooting in Washington, D.C., in which an Afghan national was accused of shooting two National Guard members, including one who died from her injuries.
USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow said the asylum decisions would be suspended "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
"The safety of the American people always comes first," he wrote on X.
The pause comes amid a broader immigration crackdown signaled by President Donald Trump, who on Thursday vowed to halt migration from "Third World countries" and reverse Biden-era admissions.
Edlow said on Thursday that officials would reexamine green cards issued to immigrants from every "country of concern," including Afghanistan. USCIS also implemented new national security measures to be considered while vetting immigrants from "high risk" countries.
"I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern," he wrote.
The Department of Homeland Security also said it had already halted all immigration requests from Afghanistan and was in the process of reviewing all asylum cases approved under the Biden administration.
Additionally, the Department of State has paused all visas for people traveling on Afghan passports in response to the attack against the National Guard members.
"The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports," the agency wrote. "The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety."
National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of West Virginia, died after the shooting on Wednesday in the nation's capital, while the second service member wounded in the attack, Andrew Wolfe, 24, is still in critical condition.
The alleged gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, faces multiple charges, including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the Justice Department would pursue the death penalty against the suspect.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. legally in 2021 under humanitarian parole as part of the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He was vetted by the CIA in Afghanistan for his work with the agency and again for his asylum application in the U.S. A senior U.S. official told Fox News he was "clean on all checks" in his background check.
Lakanwal had his asylum application approved by the Trump administration earlier this year.
A report released by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General in June found there were "no systemic failures" in Afghan refugee vetting or subsequent immigration pathways.
The best Black Friday tech deals still going strong: Up to 57% off Apple, Bose, Kindle and more
Black Friday tech deals hold some of the year's biggest savings! From headphones and TVs to smart home devices and tablets, we've found the best deals on some of today's most impressive gadgets.
Whether it’s an Apple Watch SE 3 for less than $200, the latest AirPods for less than $70 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones at 30% off, these picks are perfect for gifting or upgrading your own setup.
Apple AirTag four-pack: $62.99 (36% off)
Apple EarPods wired headphones: $16.99 (11% off)
Sony PlayStation 5 disc: $449.99 (18% off)
Soundcore by Anker noise-canceling headphones: $37.99 (46% off)
Bose refurbished QuietComfort Ultra headphones: $249 (42% off)
Bose refurbished SoundLink Max portable speaker: $229 (43% off)
Portable charger power bank: $30.59 (39% off)
Blink Outdoor camera 2 pack: $51.99 (60% off)
Digital picture frame: $47.47 (32% off)
Mini projector for iPhone: $37.99 (46% off)
REDTIGER 4K Dash Cam: $99.99 (33% off)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 wireless earbuds: $219.99 (12% off)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones: $299 (30% off)
Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones: $399.99 (27% off)
Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones: $38 (46% off)
Beats Solo 4 over-ear headphones: $129.95 (35% off)
JBL Go 4: $39.95 (20% off)
JBL Charge 6 waterproof Bluetooth speaker: $129.95 (35% off)
Bose Smart soundbar: $399 (27% off)
Original price: $129
What we love: The earphones are sweat- and water-resistant.
What to be aware of: These AirPods do not have the same advanced capabilities as the Pro version, such as built-in hearing aids.
Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds feature personalized spatial audio, giving you a theater-like listening experience. They have up to 30 hours of battery life and voice isolation technology. This version does not have active noise cancellation. However, there is another version of AirPods 4 that includes noise cancellation.
Original price: $89.95
What we love: A respectable price, deep bass and easily customizable sound.
What to be aware of: You miss out on noise-canceling features other higher-end options come with.
JBL Tune over-ear headphones blend affordability with a deep bass to deliver an enjoyable listening experience. Download the free JBL Headphones app to create a customized sound or choose from the pre-set listening modes. If you like keeping your hands free, these headphones have convenient ear-cup controls for easy calling.
Original price: $69.95
What we love: The 12-hour battery life and customizable eartips for added comfort and security.
What to be aware of: The cord is attached to the earbuds, so you can't convert them to wireless.
For active walkers, runners and joggers, the Beats Flex headphones are built to move with you. A Flex-Form cable and four eartip options ensure a secure, comfortable fit, while Apple's W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices simple. With up to 12 hours of battery life, you won't have to constantly recharge.
Original price: $349.99
What we love: The multiple listening modes and high-quality noise-canceling technology.
What to be aware of: There are some quality issues reviewers cite, such as deflated ear pads after a few uses.
Do you prefer over-the-ear headphones? These Beats Studio Pro headphones offer a high-end sound. When you want to hear some background noise, you can activate the Transparency mode so you can be more aware. The one-touch pairing feature allows you to seamlessly connect your headphones to your Apple or Android devices.
Jackery Explorer 300: $159 (39% off)
Belkin portable charger: $24.94 (17% off)
EF ECOFLOW portable power station: $349 (50% off)
Bluetti portable power station: $129 (41% off)
Anker SOLIX F2000 portable power station: $899 (55% off)
UGREEN nexode power bank: $65.99 (34% off)
Nomad universal charging cable: $28 (20% off)
Magnetic portable charger: $23.99 (69% off)
Anker laptop portable charger: $87.99 (35% off)
LISEN retractable car charger: $16.13 (42% off)
Original price: $82.99
This MagSafe charger is compatible for iPhone models 12 through 17. It packs enough power for about two full charges on an iPhone 17. Built-in magnets let it snap securely to newer models, and it offers fast 15W MagSafe wireless charging. Using the 20W USB-C port, charge a second device, like an Apple Watch or AirPods.
Original price: $3,699
What we love: It's about 77 pounds – lightweight for its power capabilities.
What to be aware of: May require a firmware update to use all features.
The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a dream power bank for emergencies, and right now you can score $1,100 off by adding your email before checkout. Its durable battery can power a fridge for up to 14 days, and its multiple charging ports allow you to run up to nine devices at once. With a 10-plus year lifespan and one-touch manual transfer switch to back up power, you'll have a generator ready for any outage.
Original price: $199.99
What we love: The travel-friendly design and many USB and traditional plug ports.
What to be aware of: This power station is just 300 watts, so it’s not as powerful as other more expensive options.
Charge your phones, tablets, laptops and more with an Anker 521 portable power station. This compact power station features two AC outlets, a 12V car socket and multiple USB ports, including a 60W USB-C power delivery port. Designed to be travel-friendly, it's an ideal choice for campsites and road trips. Built with LiFePO4 batteries, this power station is designed to run for a decade.
Original price: $119
What we love: Ultra-fast charging and a MagSafe design make this charger convenient and effective.
What to be aware of: You can only charge one device at a time.
Part charger and part phone stand, the Nomad Stand One is a magnetic charger that holds smartphones at the perfect angle for continued use. It charges phones twice as fast as traditional chargers, helping you save time and get on with your day. Durable yet lightweight, it's easy enough to take with you anywhere.
Apple 2024 MacBook Pro laptop: $1,349 (16% off)
Microsoft Surface laptop (2024): $1,389.99 (34% off)
HP Chromebook Plus x360: $389.99 (46% off)
Dell 15 laptop: $337.68 (25% off)
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) gaming laptop: $1,379 (19% off)
HP Ultra Slim laptop: $259.99 (26% off)
Alienware gaming laptop: $899.99 (28% off)
Lenovo 15.6-inch laptop: $479 (31% off)
Original price: $999
What we love: The M4 chip helps this laptop run smoothly and faster for longer.
What to be aware of: Users who need something simpler can find a better price tag on less advanced models.
The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13.6-inch laptop is powered by Apple's new M4 chip, which offers enhanced performance and efficiency. Your laptop will run faster and feel more fluid when switching between apps, editing videos, or gaming. With up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, you’ll spend less time plugged in.
Original price: $1,699.99
What we love: Switch from a tablet to a laptop in seconds with the snap-on keyboard. Plus, there's plenty of storage and the Surface Pro is fast and efficient.
What to be aware of: The snap-on keyboard is sold separately.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 laptop and tablet is built to handle your everyday life. Powered by a blazing-fast chip, this slim combo delivers performance. Offering 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, the laptop stands up well against the competition. Anyone looking for a travel-ready device that still delivers a lighting-fast performance can find a lot to love in the Surface Pro.
Copilot+ acts as a personal AI assistant, giving students and business professionals a leg up. It enhances the camera in low-light situations and makes the mic clearer when on important calls. Despite its compact design, the Surface Pro has room for thousands of photos, videos and files.
Original price: $229.99
What we love: The compact size paired with the extra-wide screen.
What to be aware of: This budget-friendly model doesn't come with the same AI and battery capabilities of higher-priced options.
Whether you've got a student going off to college or need an affordable laptop for yourself, an HP 14 is a great daily use option. Thin and lightweight, it's easy to take anywhere. A large 14-inch screen and all-day battery is ideal for working at home or on the go. Gamers who like to play at home, at a coffee shop or anywhere else will appreciate the little lag and impressive graphics card.
Original price: $1,599
What we love: All-day battery life and powerful AI features make this a next-level laptop.
What to be aware of: This laptop does not come with Apple's faster M5 chip.
With its M4 chip, Apple's 2024 MacBook Pro delivers powerhouse performance, even without the upcoming M5 chip. Apple Intelligence can summarize notes, answer your questions and much more. Work from anywhere thanks to the all-day battery life.
Google Pixel 9: $499 (38% off)
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series: $149.99 (25% off)
iPad mini A17 Pro: $399 (20% off)
Amazon Kindle Scribe: $279.99 (33% off)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition: $149.99 (25% off)
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet: $54.99 (45% off)
Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet: $44.99 (55% off)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus tablet: $139.99 (36% off)
Lenovo Idea Tab: $179.99 (25% off)
Original price: $349
What we love: The sharp 11-inch display that automatically adjusts to the surrounding light. Plus, the large storage capacity starts at 128GB.
What to be aware of: This iPad isn't always compatible with more advanced Pencil options.
The latest version of Apple iPad is perfect for email, social media and watching all your favorite TV shows and movies. The retina 11-inch display is sharp, bright and can even adjust depending on the surrounding light. There are several versions with different storage capacities, although the base 128 GB will be enough for most people.
An artist's dream, the iPad has a compatible Apple Pencil that makes drawing ultra-realistic, and it can even recognize your handwriting. The magic keyboard folio turns your iPad into a fully functioning laptop and detaches and attaches with a simple click.
To protect your iPad, a hard-cover iPad case and a screen protector are a must. They'll prevent cracks and scratches from everyday wear and tear.
Original price: $139.99
What we love: The faster processing and 13-hour battery life paired with the large storage capacity.
What to be aware of: Some users complain about the presence of ads.
Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet is the latest tablet model in Amazon's lineup, and it's 25% faster than previous generations. Built for reading, streaming and gaming, you can use this tablet for all your needs. It has a 13-hour battery life and is offered with either 32GB or 64 GB of storage, so you can stream your favorite shows all day long.
The lightweight and durable design means the tablet will last for years, even if you drop it a few times. You can use an Amazon Stylus Pen to create works of art or take notes, making this tablet an ideal option for students and professionals.
Original price: $999.99
What we love: Brilliant graphics and built-in AI features make this an advanced tablet.
What to be aware of: The large size gives you a bigger screen, but a less portable tablet compared to other models.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus is an artist's dream. Using Galaxy AI, you turn your sketches into works of art. Students, writers and professionals get note-taking features, summarized lectures and full transcripts. The 12.4-inch screen is bright and designed to reduce glare, making shows and webpages easier to enjoy. You can control your whole smart home from the SmartThings Home Insight Widget.
Original price: $549.99
What we love: Take notes easily and transfer your handwriting into typed text.
What to be aware of: The newest Kindle Scribe comes with a colorsoft screen.
The Amazon Kindle Scribe essentials bundle comes with the Kindle Scribe, a Premium Pen, a leather case and a power adapter. Capable of storing thousands of books, the device is a Kindle and a notebook all in one device. If you need to better organize your notes, you can transform your handwriting into typed text. New AI tools will also help summarize each of your notes.
WE FOUND THE BEST APPLE DEALS, FROM IPADS TO MACBOOKS, AIRPODS AND MORE
Garmin fēnix premium multisport GPS Smartwatch: $849.99 (29% off)
Garmin vívoactive 5 Smartwatch: $184.99 (38% off)
Fitbit Versa 4: $119.95 (40% off)
Fitbit Inspire 3: $69.95 (30% off)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: $129.99 (48% off)
Original price: $399
What we love: The Series 11 has a faster chip than other models, plus more in-depth health metrics like high blood pressure alerts.
What to be aware of: Some reviewers don't see enough of a difference between the Series 10 and Series 11 watches.
Apple's newest watch, the Apple Watch Series 11, has a faster chip than previous models. Redesigned to be thinner and more comfortable, its glass display has double the scratch resistance of the Series 10. Tools like high blood pressure monitoring and more advanced sleep tracking help you spot chronic issues and track your sleep habits. You'll also be alerted to possible hypertension if the Watch detects consistently high pressure. Impressively, the Series 11 gives you up to 24 hours of battery life, so you can constantly monitor your health and phone activity.
Original price: $399
What we love: The Series 10 is a great personal health tracker, it’s waterproof and is designed to be comfortable.
What to be aware of: Users who are looking for a more basic smartwatch might find the extra features overwhelming.
Apple’s Series 10 Watch has up to 30% more screen area than previous generations and is designed to be lighter and more comfortable for long-term wear. iPhone users can easily pair the two devices and see notifications and alerts on their Watch. Serving as a personal health assistant, it lets you take an ECG at any time and alerts you to an irregular heart rate.
When paired with the Workout app, the built-in fitness tracker can better plan your workouts and track their intensity. Divers and swimmers can even wear their watch during their favorite water activities.
Original price: $249
What we love: The waterproof SE 3 comes with a variety of health metrics, including irregular heart rate detection, sleep, fall detection and emergency SOS.
What to be aware of: The SE 3 doesn’t come with as many health and fitness capabilities as the Series 10.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the perfect fitness partner, sharing insights into your health and fitness routines. You will be alerted to an irregular heart rate, and the watch is water-resistant, so you can wear it while swimming. Unlock even more metrics and ways to train when you connect to the Workout Buddy app.
With your Apple Watch SE 3, you can seamlessly connect between your different Apple devices. Send texts, take calls, listen to music and podcasts, and use Siri.
If you’re after the latest and greatest from Apple, you can order the new Watches and AirPods Pro 3.
Original price: $199
What we love: WHOOP has a five-day battery and eliminates a distracting (often easily breakable) screen while still providing top-rate health insights.
What to be aware of: Those who want more connection to their phone may prefer a smartwatch like an Apple Watch or Fitbit Versa 4.
Athletes that want to track their health and workouts without a wrist screen will love WHOOP. It's an all-in-one tracker that does what FitBits and Apple Watches do without a distracting screen. Connect the comfortable wristband to the app, and you'll get sleep, strain and recovery insights. Plus, WHOOP comes with personalized coaching so you can achieve your fitness goals. You also receive heart rate zones and women can access hormonal insights when wearing this tracker.
Original price: $499
What we love: Tracks more than 50 health metrics and is built with a comfortable, jewelry-like design.
What to be aware of: You'll need to check in on the app to monitor workouts and health metrics.
The Oura Ring 4 is one of the more advanced smart rings available on the market. Built for 24/7 comfort, it tracks over 50 health metrics, including sleep, heart rate, stress and more. With a jewelry-like design, it's so comfortable you may forget it's there. Water-resistant and built from durable titanium, the ring is made for any activity. The eight-day battery life saves you from constantly needing to recharge.
Customers get one month free of the Oura membership, which is necessary to use all the features packed into the ring. If you have extra FSA or HSA money you need to spend, the Oura Ring qualifies.
Kasa indoor pan/tilt smart security camera: $21.98 (27% off)
Kasa smart plug four-pack: $24.25 (19% off)
Security video and smart lock set: $189.97 (37% off)
Google Nest thermostat: $84.97 (35% off)
Amazon Echo Spot: $49.99 (38% off)
Ring battery doorbell: $49.99 (50% off)
Govee smart light bulbs: $23.99 (40% off)
iRobot Roomba robot vacuum: $149 (50% off)
Shark AI voice control robot vacuum: $249.99 (58% off)
Original price: $49.99
The Arlo 2K indoor cam gives you crystal-clear 360-degree views, so you can peek in on your pets anytime. It’s got smart alerts, reliable plug-in power and dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable connection. You also get a free month of Arlo Secure, unlocking features like 60-day video history, custom alerts and emergency response. After that, plans start at just $7.99 per month.
Original price: $89.99
Control all your Amazon devices from an Amazon Echo Show hub. With its 5.5-inch display screen, you can check out the weather and news, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and much more — all from the hub. Set the slideshow feature on and get a rotating view of family photos.
Original price: $24.99
With an Amazon Smart plug, transform a regular outlet into a smart one that connects to Alexa. Compatible with a variety of lamps, fans, coffee makers and other household devices, manage an entire house with only a few plugs. You don't need an additional hub; just open the Alexa app to turn devices on and off.
Original price: $179
Storing cherished memories is important, and an Aura digital picture frame gives you a constant stream of family photos. Taking only minutes to set up, the frame lets you use the Aura app to add photos and connect to Wi-Fi. Loved ones can share photos straight to the frame, so everyone stays connected. Aura is an extremely popular gift, even Oprah has one!
Amazon Fire TV 65": $419.99 (37% off)
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD: $17.99 (49% off)
Roku Streaming Stick 4K: $24.99 (50% off)
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar: $349 (30% off)
Hisense 85" Mini LED 4K UHD Fire TV: $797.96 (20% off)
Amazon Fire TV 43" 4K UHD smart TV: $194.99 (41% off)
Insignia 24" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV: $49.99 (38% off)
TCL 65-Inch Class QM7K Series: $797.99 (20% off)
Original price: $229.99
What we love: The customizable experience Roku TV offers.
What to be aware of: Some users report poor sound quality.
Roku TVs have a great user experience, making it easy to access everything you need in one place. The Roku Select Series 40-inch TV has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to explore apps and launch your shows instantly. You can customize your TV setups by moving around apps, adding apps and changing your background.
Original price: $349.99
What we love: Built-in Alexa features and sports and gaming modes.
What to be aware of: Users with other smart home options besides Alexa won't have as easy of a time connecting to other devices.
The Toshiba 50-inch Class C350 Series Smart TV combines Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound to give you an ultra-clear picture and a strong, deep sound. The Ultimate Motion feature reduces blur in fast-moving scenes, helping to provide a clearer picture. Game Mode and a Sports Mode boost color and realism, giving you a more realistic gaming or sports-watching experience.
Original price: $1,099.99
What we love: The cinematic sound and color-boosting tech.
What to be aware of: Some reviewers report having to frequently reboot the TV.
Sony's 75-inch Bravia 3 TV has Google Assistant built in, so you can use your voice to search for shows or ask questions. With Chromecast and AirPlay 2, it's effortless to cast your shows to the TV. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos also create a cinematic visual and audio experience.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Original price: $2,699.99
What we love: The new backlight technology that creates an ultra-realistic picture, paired with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
What to be aware of: The high-tech features don’t always translate to older content.
The Hisense 100-inch smart TV is a monster of a television, with QLED color that lets you see every person and item on the screen with impressive accuracy. Fire TV is also built in, so you can easily pair with other devices and use the voice remote to control your TV from anywhere. An AI light sensor feature automatically detects and adjusts the screen's brightness depending on how much light is in the room.
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
Abbey Gate Gold Star father blisters Biden after Afghan national allegedly ambushes 2 National Guardsmen in DC
EXCLUSIVE — The father of Staff Sgt. Darin "Taylor" Hoover — one of the 13 U.S. service members killed in the Abbey Gate bombing during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan — is blasting the former Biden administration after an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guardsmen just blocks from the White House.
Hoover gave Fox News Digital a new, forceful statement on Wednesday’s shooting, saying the incident was the direct result of the administration’s failed vetting of Afghan evacuees.
"This is on the feckless Biden administration," Hoover said of the shooting. "We had no idea who was getting into this country because the Biden administration, especially the State Department run by Antony Blinken, didn’t do the work that was needed to vet all these people. There were so many people put on the planes that got out initially, that we have no idea who they were."
He continued: "By doing this, all we got is men of fighting age that are most likely terrorists that are here in the homeland to do us all harm and take our beloved United States of America. Maybe if the Biden administration started the process earlier than the truncated timetable that they did, this could have all come out so much better, including all of our most precious men and women of our military coming home."
The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting, and multiple intelligence sources tell Fox News Digital the attack is being treated as a possible act of international terrorism. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was taken into custody after allegedly ambushing the two West Virginia National Guardsmen near the White House.
Fox News Digital previously reported that Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, immediately following the fall of Kabul, and that he had worked with several U.S. government entities, including the CIA, as part of a partner force in Kandahar.
"The individual — and so many others — should have never been allowed to come here," former CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News Digital. "Our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration’s catastrophic failures."
Hoover says the shooting confirms what he and other Gold Star parents feared when thousands of Afghans were evacuated during the final days of the withdrawal — that many individuals were allowed into the United States without adequate screening.
"We had no idea who Biden put on those planes," Hoover said. "None."
Wednesday’s comments come after years of public criticism from Hoover, who has been one of the most vocal parents demanding accountability for the Abbey Gate attack that killed 13 American service members, including his son Taylor, an 11-year Marine veteran who was engaged to be married and on his third deployment to Afghanistan.
Hoover’s earlier remarks made headlines in 2024, when he reacted to President Biden falsely claiming during a presidential debate that no U.S. service members had died under his watch. At the time, Hoover told Fox News Digital that he felt "rage" hearing Biden deny the deaths of the Abbey Gate 13.
"The rage, the absolute disgust that I got from hearing him say that — I started yelling back at the TV," he said in 2024. "He’s never acknowledged, not one time, any of our kids. He’s never said their names."
He also revealed then that the Biden administration sent the Abbey Gate families a batch of identical condolence letters a year after the attack.
DETAILS EMERGE ON CIA UNIT ALLEGED NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTER SERVED WITH IN AFGHANISTAN
"All 13 families got a canned letter," he said in a 2024 Fox News Digital interview. "It looked like it was a photocopy. We’ve had absolutely nothing before, nothing since."
Hoover’s frustration at being unable to secure a meeting with Biden was also part of that earlier reporting.
"[Biden] doesn’t want to deal with us," Hoover said in 2024. "He knows that we’re in his face, but he doesn’t want to deal with us."
But Hoover told Fox News Digital this week that Wednesday’s shooting, allegedly carried out by an Afghan national allowed into the country during the withdrawal, is a devastating new chapter. To him, it demonstrates that the consequences of the troubled evacuation are still unfolding on American soil.
Federal officials say the investigation into the shooting remains active. Hoover says he will continue speaking out until the families of the Abbey Gate fallen receive answers — and until the former administration takes responsibility for what he believes are ongoing failures.
"This isn’t going away," he said at the time. "We’re not going away."
Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
Northwestern to pay $75M in federal civil-rights deal after antisemitism probes
The Trump administration announced a sweeping federal civil-rights agreement Friday with Northwestern University, requiring the school to pay $75 million and protect students and staff from any "race-based admissions practices" and a "hostile educational environment directed toward Jewish students."
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said in a statement the agreement was intended to safeguard Northwestern from "unlawful discrimination" and calls for the university to "maintain clear policies and procedures relating to demonstrations, protests, displays, and other expressive activities," as well as the implementation of mandatory antisemitism training.
"Today’s settlement marks another victory in the Trump Administration’s fight to ensure that American educational institutions protect Jewish students and put merit first," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. "Institutions that accept federal funds are obligated to follow civil rights law — we are grateful to Northwestern for negotiating this historic deal."
Northwestern will pay its $75 million to the United States through 2028.
US BLOCKS TRUMP ATTEMPT TO FREEZE MORE THAN $2 BILLION IN HARVARD FUNDS
The new agreement comes after the Trump administration previously secured a $221 million settlement with Columbia University to resolve multiple federal civil rights investigations. That deal includes a $200 million payment over three years for alleged discriminatory practices and $21 million to settle claims of antisemitic employment discrimination against Jewish faculty after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel.
DOE Secretary Linda McMahon called the Northwestern agreement "a huge win for current and future Northwestern students, alumni, faculty, and for the future of American higher education."
"The deal cements policy changes that will protect students and other members of the campus from harassment and discrimination, and it recommits the school to merit-based hiring and admissions," she said in a statement. "The reforms reflect bold leadership at Northwestern and they are a roadmap for institutional leaders around the country that will help rebuild public trust in our colleges and universities."
Northwestern directed Fox News Digital to a statement made by university president Henry Bienen reacting to the agreement, saying it would restore hundreds of millions of dollars in critical research funding.
SETTLEMENT TALKS FALTER BETWEEN TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND HARVARD: REPORT
"This is not an agreement the University enters into lightly, but one that was made based on institutional values," Bienen stated. "As an imperative to the negotiation of this agreement, we had several hard red lines we refused to cross: We would not relinquish any control over whom we hire, whom we admit as students, what our faculty teach or how our faculty teach. I would not have signed this agreement without provisions ensuring that is the case."
Bienen added, "Northwestern runs Northwestern. Period."
The university president also said the $75 million payment "is not an admission of guilt, but simply a condition of the agreement." He noted that Northwestern "has not been found in violation of any laws and expressly denies liability regarding all allegations in the now-closed investigations."
In its statement announcing the agreement, DOJ said federal agencies would close their pending investigations and treat Northwestern as eligible for future grants, contracts and awards.
The Trump administration previously put a freeze on approximately $790 million from Northwestern University and over $1 billion in federal funding from Cornell University over potential civil rights investigations at both prestigious schools.
Sheriff slams law enforcement agencies for releasing illegal immigrant who allegedly hit Ohio nurse
An Ohio sheriff slammed fellow law enforcement agencies for previously releasing an illegal immigrant with an extensive criminal history, after he allegedly crashed into an Ohio nurse while driving drunk, leaving her seriously injured.
Johen Perez-Ventura, 27, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, is charged with aggravated vehicular assault, driving without a license and obstruction of justice, according to Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones.
Courtney Steinmetz, a nurse and volunteer cheerleading coach, was driving along Route 747 on Nov. 20, when she was allegedly hit head-on by Perez-Ventura in Liberty Township, Ohio.
ICE SAYS SUSPECT ACCUSED OF KILLING TEEN IN SECOND DRUNK DRIVING INCIDENT WAS IN US ILLEGALLY
Perez-Ventura was first captured crossing the Texas border in 2019, and deported back to Guatemala, according to Jones.
He returned to the U.S. at some point, and in 2023, was charged with assault in Cincinnati.
That same year, he was arrested and charged with drunk driving in Westchester, Jones said. Perez-Ventura was released after both arrests.
However, Perez-Ventura's criminal history didn't end there. In 2024, he was arrested twice for drunk driving, and released again.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DODGES DEPORTATION FOR DECADE BEFORE ALLEGEDLY KILLING MAN IN DUI HIT-AND-RUN
"This low-life piece of s--- named Johen, who has been arrested [four times] for DUIs … he had alcohol in the car, had to be cut out of the car, [went] to the hospital," Jones said in a video post to the Butler County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. "You know who pays for that. We do. … It's not his first time. … He's used to this. He was just going to be in the wind. … Not this time. We waited and then [Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] made the apprehension."
Jones said Perez-Ventura did not have a driver's license, speculating he may have shown fake IDs to officers at other agencies, and they let him go anyway.
"That's appalling in itself," the sheriff said. "They probably didn't want to send him to my jail because he would be deported. He [had] already been incarcerated at that point for DUI, assault, and he'd come across the border twice."
PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED BLUE STATE DRIVER CHARGED WITH MURDERING SIX PEOPLE IN CRASH: REPORT
Perez-Ventura, using an interpreter, claimed he was not the driver because he was on probation for one of his prior offenses.
After the crash, Jones visited Steinmetz in the hospital and said he could tell she was in "serious pain," having suffered a spine injury, broken wrist and broken ankle.
"She's 27, living her dream, working at the hospital as an RN, saving people's lives. Now today, she's lying in the hospital," he said. "She's not even out of the bed yet. She's going to be out of work for quite some time. She'll probably have issues the rest of her life with her spine."
A GoFundMe was set up for Steinmetz, to help with medical bills, lost wages and her insurance deductible — since Perez-Ventura did not have insurance.
A family member wrote on the crowdfunding site that despite her injuries, Steinmetz still "hopes the opposing driver is doing OK despite the pain this has caused."
"He doesn't care. You look at his mug shot, he has a smirk on his face," Jones said. "I promise you, he won't be deported again … He's going to get a little taste of American prison. … He'll get a cell until he goes to prison, then he can get deported when he's a lot older. … This low-life is lying in my jail, getting three meals a day, whining and crying. [He] probably doesn't like the conditions, which they're a whole lot better than he deserves."
Jones added he will pursue additional charges against Perez-Ventura related to the crash, and investigate the businesses who allegedly sold him the alcohol, people he was drinking with, and people who sold or loaned him cars.
"I have no sympathy," Jones said. "If he had been deported and stayed deported the first time, we wouldn't be going through this."
Nearly half a dozen illegal immigrants, with charges ranging from sex crimes and assault to DUI and drugs offenses, have recently been arrested in Butler County, according to the sheriff.
Fox News Digital's Mitch Picasso contributed to this report.
Utah death row inmate with dementia dies of natural causes 3 months after execution was halted
A Utah man who had his execution blocked after developing dementia during his nearly 40 years on death row died of apparent natural causes, according to the state's Department of Corrections.
Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, died Wednesday.
The state Supreme Court in August blocked his execution scheduled for Sept. 5 after his attorneys successfully argued that his dementia had become too severe. A new competency hearing to reevaluate his mental state was set for next month.
He was sentenced to die by firing squad for his conviction in the abduction and killing of Maurine Hunsaker, a 26-year-old mother of three, near Salt Lake City in 1986. Menzies was sentenced to death in 1988.
UTAH KILLER WITH DEMENTIA IS COMPETENT ENOUGH FOR DEATH SENTENCE TO BE CARRIED OUT, JUDGE RULES
The victim's husband, Jim Hunsaker, said he had a "happy feeling" and like a huge weight had been lifted off him when he learned of Menzies' death.
"I think a lot of it is going to be just healing now," he told The Associated Press. "I don’t think there was a day that I didn’t think about it."
He expressed frustration about how the state's judicial system handled Menzies' case, saying his family experienced "one disappointment after another" for decades.
"It seems like everything went his way," he said.
Menzies is one of several U.S. prisoners who have died of natural causes while on death row.
More than half of all U.S. prisoners sentenced to death spend more than 18 years awaiting execution, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
The state Supreme Court said over the summer that the progression of Menzies' disease raised a significant concern about his fitness to be executed. A state medical professional agreed in a mental competency report published this month that Menzies lacked a rational understanding of why he was facing execution.
Those findings came after a state judge ruled he was competent enough to be executed, saying in June that Menzies "consistently and rationally understands" what is happening and why he is facing execution despite his recent cognitive decline, and that his execution would not violate the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishments.
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said he hopes the victim's family will finally have some closure and peace after Menzies' death.
"For decades, the state of Utah has pursued justice on her behalf. The path has been long and filled with pain, far more than any victim’s family should ever have to endure," Brown said.
Menzies abducted Hunsaker from a convenience store where she worked on Feb. 23, 1986, just days after he was released on bail for an unrelated crime. She later called her husband to tell him she had been robbed and kidnapped, but that her abductor planned to release her.
Days later, a hiker found her body at a picnic area about 16 miles away in Big Cottonwood Canyon. She was strangled and had her throat cut.
When he was later jailed on unrelated matters, Menzies had Hunsaker’s wallet and several other items that belonged to her. Police also said Hunsaker’s thumbprint was found in a car that Menzies was driving, and her purse was discovered in his apartment.
SOUTH CAROLINA TRIPLE MURDERER SET TO BE THIRD MAN TO DIE BY FIRING SQUAD IN STATE THIS YEAR
Menzies was convicted of first-degree murder and other crimes.
"We’re grateful that Ralph passed naturally and maintained his spiritedness and dignity until the end," Menzies' legal team said in a statement.
Menzies selected the firing squad as his method of execution and would have become only the seventh U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since the U.S. reinstated the death penalty in 1977 — three in Utah, with the last one in the state carried out in 2010, and three in South Carolina this year.
Utah’s last execution of any method was carried out by lethal injection over a year ago.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Multiple victims with gunshot wounds at Valley Fair Mall in California on Black Friday: police
Police reported that three victims with gunshot wounds have been transported to a local hospital after a shooting at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in San Jose, California appeared to take advantage of the Black Friday crowds.
"Officers are still diligently clearing the mall," the San Jose Police Department wrote on X. "In total, 3 victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries that have been determined to be non-life threatening. Please continue to avoid the area."
Police said the "shooting appears to be an isolated incident and NOT an active shooter."
Officials added that officers are evacuating and clearing the area to ensure there is no ongoing threat to public safety. "Please continue to avoid the area," San Jose Police added.
BLACK FRIDAY THEFT THREAT TURNS HOLIDAY WEEKEND INTO SHOPLIFTERS' 'SUPER BOWL': FORMER DETECTIVE
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan posted on X that "there is no ongoing threat to the community."
"This is not the news I wanted to share with you this holiday weekend," he wrote. "My prayers are with these victims and I know our officers are doing everything they can to find the person responsible and hold them accountable."
Shoppers have shared photos and video across social media of themselves barricading in department stores and sharing real-time updates.
"Potential active shooter situation at valley fair mall in the silicon valley area, shoutout to @Abercrombie for the comfy hiding spot," wrote @avgpearfarmer on X with photos showing Black Friday shoppers hiding behind store displays.
It is unclear if there is a suspect in custody at this time.
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San Jose Police did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
State Department 'immediately' halts all Afghan passport visas following deadly National Guard attack
The Department of State has paused all visas for individuals traveling on Afghan passports after an attack in Washington, D.C., Wednesday targeting National Guard members.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national, was charged with first-degree murder among other counts related to the ambush, which has since claimed the life of West Virginia National Guard Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounded U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24.
Lakanwal was vetted by the CIA in Afghanistan and granted final asylum approval under President Donald Trump's administration earlier this year, multiple sources told Fox News Digital.
"The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports," the agency wrote in an announcement on social media. "The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety."
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONDING AFTER 2 NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SHOT NEAR WHITE HOUSE
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also took to X to share the news.
"President Trump’s State Department has paused visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling on Afghan passports," Rubio wrote in a post. "The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people."
U.S.-based Afghanistan allies relocation and resettlement nonprofit AfghanEvac denounced Friday's decision, calling the administration's move a "violation of federal law."
"It appears Secretary Rubio is attempting to shut down the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa program in direct violation of federal law and standing court orders. He is seemingly acting at the direction of President Trump and Stephen Miller, and there is no doubt this is the outcome they have been driving toward for months," AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver said in a statement.
"They are using a single violent individual as cover for a policy they have long planned, turning their own intelligence failures into an excuse to punish an entire community and the veterans who served alongside them."
VANCE’S PAST WARNINGS REIGNITE AFTER AFGHAN NATIONAL NAMED AS SUSPECT IN DC GUARD SHOOTING
The new policy comes less than a day after the media questioned Trump about how the attack could have taken place after successful vetting.
"I mean, he went nuts, and that happens. It happens too often with these people," Trump told reporters from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. "There was no vetting or anything. ... We have a lot of others in this country, and we're going to get them out, but they go cuckoo. Something happens to them."
Trump noted "when it comes to asylum, when they're flown in, it's very hard to get them out. No matter how you want to do it, it's very hard to get them out. But we're going to be getting them all out now."
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow also announced Thursday that, at Trump's direction, there would be a "full-scale, rigorous reexamination" of every green card issued to immigrants from "every country of concern."
The 19 countries deemed "high-risk" by the USCIS include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
Trump plans 'full and complete pardon' for former Honduran president convicted of drug trafficking
President Trump announced Friday he intends to issue a "full and complete pardon" to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, while simultaneously reaffirming his support for presidential candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura just days before Hondurans head to the polls.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Hernández. who was sentenced in New York last year to 45 years in prison for conspiring with drug traffickers to move over 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S., was "treated very harshly and unfairly."
"I will be granting a Full and Complete Pardon to Former President Juan Orlando Hernandez who has been, according to many people that I greatly respect, treated very harshly and unfairly," Trump said. "This cannot be allowed to happen, especially now, after Tito Asfura wins the Election, when Honduras will be on its way to Great Political and Financial Success."
TRUMP REVEALS MADURO 'WOULD LIKE TO TALK' AS MILITARY OPTIONS REMAIN ON THE TABLE FOR VENEZUELA
Hernández was convicted in March 2024 on charges of conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. and two related weapons offenses after a two-week trial, according to The Associated Press.
Trump also doubled down on his backing of Asfura, the National Party candidate and former mayor of Tegucigalpa, saying the U.S. would be "very supportive" if he wins because Washington has "so much confidence in him, his policies and what he will do for the great people of Honduras."
In a separate Truth Social post earlier Friday, Trump said he and Asfura "can work together to fight the narcocommunists and bring needed aid to the people of Honduras."
He also sharply criticized Asfura’s rivals, including ruling party candidate Rixi Moncada and TV host Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party.
"His chief opponent is Rixi Moncada, who says Fidel Castro is her idol," Trump said. "Normally, the smart people of Honduras, would reject her, and elect Tito Asfura, but the Communists are trying to trick the people by running a third Candidate, Salvador Nasralla.
"Nasralla is no friend of Freedom. A borderline Communist, he helped Xiomara Castro by running as her Vice President. He won, and helped Castro win. Then he resigned, and is now pretending to be an anti-Communist only for the purposes of splitting Asfura’s vote. The people of Honduras must not be tricked again."
Hondurans vote Sunday, and polls show Asfura virtually tied with Moncada and Nasralla, according to Reuters.
The winner will govern from 2026 to 2030.
The Central American country has been led since 2022 by President Xiomara Castro, the country's first female president.
'Jailhouse Karen' Bryan Kohberger complains about prison bananas after quadruple murder conviction: report
Convicted killer Bryan Kohberger was recently accused of throwing a tantrum over the fruit selection at a maximum-security Idaho prison where he is serving multiple life sentences for the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022.
The 31-year-old, housed at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution, has reportedly been "complaining about the type of bananas he’s being served," according to Chris McDonough, a retired homicide detective employed by the Cold Case Foundation.
"They’re not the kind that he likes," McDonough told the Daily Mail. "I’m not sure if that means they may have bruises on them, and he doesn’t like that or if there is a particular type of banana that he likes. But he’s complaining about the food he's getting."
The Idaho Department of Corrections did not immediately confirm to Fox News Digital which variety of bananas were distributed by the prison or whether there was a particular condition or variety Kohberger requested.
BRYAN KOHBERGER'S APARTMENT, ESSAYS REVEALED IN HUNDREDS OF PHOTOS RELEASED BY IDAHO POLICE
"You can’t make this stuff up, right?" McDonough said. "The guy is a quadruple killer, and he’s complaining about his bananas not being the type that he likes."
Kohberger, who has been nicknamed a "jailhouse Karen," filed numerous complaints about his living conditions months after arriving at the prison.
According to media reports, Kohberger complained about being threatened and harassed by fellow inmates, filed a complaint about not getting all of his food at meal time and asked to be relocated to another wing of the prison.
SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS BRYAN KOHBERGER'S CAR ROARING AWAY AFTER IDAHO STUDENT MURDERS
"The prison is saying, ‘Well, deal with it,’" McDonough said.
Cameron Lindsay, a prison consultant, previously told Fox News Digital the former criminology Ph.D. student didn't have "a lick of sense," making his time behind bars more difficult with every gripe.
"If he had a lick of sense, he’d keep his mouth shut, his head down, and maybe, over time, his welcoming committee will lessen their verbal tirades against him," Lindsay said.
KOHBERGER'S LAWYERS SAY VICTIMS' FAMILIES GOT ENOUGH MONEY FROM GOFUNDME DONATIONS ALREADY
McDonough told the outlet the killer's narcissistic tendencies will likely prompt him to keep "pushing the envelope and pushing the boundaries as far as he can get them."
"It’s about power and control," McDonough said. "He was a nobody until he murdered four people. … He was irrelevant to the world. Now he’s Bryan Kohberger, who has slaughtered four people. And because he didn’t have to stand up in court and tell the world how brutal these crimes were, he holds the cards. And he’s trying to leverage that."
During the trial, Kohberger abruptly pleaded guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, dodging the death penalty.
Kohberger's attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.