Fatal Shooting of National Guard Members in DC Triggers National Investigations

Updated November 27, 2025 at 7:32 PM EST

A shooting incident in Washington, D.C. has led to the tragic death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard. This was confirmed by Governor Patrick Morrisey and President Trump, who addressed the nation during a Thanksgiving call to military personnel. Additionally, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The incident, which occurred while the Guard members were on patrol near the White House, involved an attack identified by officials as “targeted.” Beckstrom and Wolfe were hospitalized after the shooting, and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced that the alleged assailant, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, is facing serious charges, possibly related to terrorism.

On the same day, Pirro revealed that if either Guard member succumbs to their injuries, Lakanwal could face life imprisonment or the death penalty. He is currently under medical care following the attack.

Details of the Incident

According to police statements, the shooting happened around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday. Metropolitan Police Department’s Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll described how the shooter approached and opened fire on Beckstrom and Wolfe. Other National Guard members in the area were able to subdue the suspect until he was apprehended.

Responding to the attack, Mayor Muriel Bowser referred to it as a targeted act of violence. President Trump condemned the shooter on social media, labeling him as an "animal" and promising severe repercussions. At the time of the shooting, Trump was in Florida.

Investigation Underway

In response to this incident, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that a nationwide investigation is ongoing, with search warrants executed in multiple locations related to the suspect, including residences in Washington state and California. Additionally, inquiries are taking place internationally. CIA Director John Ratcliffe noted that Lakanwal had come to the U.S. in 2021 after working with the U.S. government, including the CIA.

Currently, Beckstrom, who had joined the National Guard in 2023, was serving with the 863rd Military Police Company, while Wolfe has been stationed with the Force Support Squadron since 2019. This deployment is part of a broader National Guard presence in the capital, sparking both support and controversy, as legal challenges have been raised against the administration's troop deployment strategy.

Background of the Shooter

In a further development, President Trump revealed that the suspect is an Afghan immigrant identified as part of “Operation Allies Welcome,” an initiative aimed at aiding Afghan nationals following the Taliban’s return to power. Lakanwal served in elite counterterrorism units in Afghanistan.

While the motive for the attack remains unknown, Trump characterized it as a terrorist act and has called for more rigorous immigration policies regarding Afghan nationals and others admitted to the U.S. under the Biden administration. In response, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a temporary halt on immigration applications from Afghan nationals pending security reviews.

The situation continues to develop as authorities investigate the incident, with potential charges against the shooter hinging on the health outcomes of the injured National Guard members. A total of 500 additional National Guard troops have been ordered to Washington, D.C. in light of the recent violence, confirming the Defense Department's ongoing concerns regarding security and public order in the capital.