Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House; Suspect Arrested

Updated November 27, 2025 at 1:19 PM EST

In a disturbing incident that took place close to the White House, two National Guard members from West Virginia have been critically injured in a shooting event that has drawn significant attention from across the nation. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has prompted immediate responses from federal law enforcement officials.

During a press briefing, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, characterized the incident as leaving “two families shattered and destroyed and torn apart as the result of the actions of one man.” The injured soldiers, identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, have undergone surgery, and their recovery progress is being closely observed.

The suspect, Rahmanuallah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, allegedly traveled from Washington state to carry out the attack using a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver, which authorities have described as a “targeted attack” against the Guard members. With this serious charge, prosecutors are contemplating terrorism-related charges, which could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty depending on the outcome for the wounded soldiers.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed that a thorough investigation is currently underway, including searches in areas such as Bellingham, Washington, and San Diego, along with investigations abroad. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 as part of a program related to his employment with U.S. government agencies, including the CIA.

Details of the Shooting Incident

The incident took place around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Jeffery Carroll, the executive assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. The gunman approached the National Guard members and opened fire before being subdued by individuals at the scene. It remains unclear who was responsible for disarming the suspect.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser labeled the shooting as a “targeted” assault. President Trump, who was in Florida at the time of the occurrence, expressed his disdain for the shooter through a post on Truth Social, calling him an “animal.” Furthermore, in a Fox News interview, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that one of the injured Guards had stepped up for duty over the Thanksgiving holiday, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

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