OFFICIAL STATEMENT
November 28, 2025
From Lapis Social and Cultural Association (LSCA) Regarding the Shooting Incident in Washington, D.C.
To His Excellency Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, and the Noble People of America:
Today, our hearts are heavy with grief, but our resolve remains steadfast and unbreakable.
On behalf of the Lapis Social and Cultural Association (LSCA), representing the proud community of Afghanistan in the DMV area and the noble families of Badakhshan, we issue this statement to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous and violent act committed against two members of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.
Violence has no place in our faith, in our culture, or in this country we now call home. We declare our full solidarity with the victims and their families, we pray for their recovery, and we demand the swift and decisive implementation of justice in this matter.
We must be absolutely clear on this principle: Criminals have no nationality; they possess a criminal mindset.
Evil carries no passport and does not represent a culture. Violence is the product of a corrupt individual conscience, not the trait of a specific heritage or lineage. Those who choose the path of violence must face the full and severe consequences of the law. The actions of a criminal individual do not, and will never, represent the soul and collective conscience of the Afghanistan community.
The men and women of Afghanistan residing in the United States—especially those who arrived after the events of 2021—are no strangers to the price of freedom. We are the same allies who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American forces. We are the interpreters, engineers, and professionals who risked our lives to serve the government of Afghanistan and the government of the United States. We have earned the privilege of being here through blood, hard work, and sacrifice. Since arriving here, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild our lives, contributing to the American economy, respecting its laws, and guarding the safety of its streets.
Mr. President, we appeal to your sense of justice and leadership.
We understand the need for rigorous security measures and support them. The security of American soil is our security as well. We welcome full security vetting and strict screening processes. But we request of you: Do not punish a community of heroes for the crime of one criminal.
Do not close the doors on those who are legally and rightfully seeking safety. Halting the immigration process for Afghans or suspending asylum cases will devastate thousands of law-abiding families who have all been victims of terrorism and have endured unimaginable hardships. This action harms those waiting in limbo for the fate of their cases, and it cuts off the lifeline for families waiting to reunite with their loved ones who are currently stranded and in danger outside the U.S.
We are a grateful, resilient, and honorable community. We ask the United States to continue being the beacon of hope and justice that drew us here. We are ready to cooperate fully with security agencies and national leadership to ensure our communities remain safe for everyone.
May God bless the United States of America.
Lapis Social & Cultural Association Inc.