On 26 November 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., during what officials described as a “targeted ambush-style” attack.
- The victims were identified as Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, and Andrew Wolfe, aged 24.
- The suspected assailant — Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national — was taken into custody. Authorities said he previously worked with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan.
Just one day later, U.S. President Donald J. Trump confirmed that Sarah Beckstrom had died from her wounds. He described her as a “highly respected, young, magnificent person.”
The second guard member, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition and is reportedly “fighting for his life.”
What Happened — Attack Details
- The shooting occurred about 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West metro-station, just blocks from the White House.
- According to law-enforcement sources, the two were ambushed by the gunman as they were on patrol. The suspected shooter reportedly fired multiple shots using a revolver.
- Other National Guard personnel quickly responded — subduing the suspect after an exchange of fire, preventing further casualties.
Aftermath & Reactions
- The attack has been widely described as a “brazen, targeted, ambush-style” assault. Federal authorities are treating it as a serious crime; some agencies are reportedly probing potential terrorism motivations.
- The suspected shooter, Lakanwal, is under arrest and faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill and firearm-related offenses. Prosecutors have indicated the possibility of upgrading charges to first-degree murder, especially in light of Beckstrom’s death.
- The incident has reignited debate over the use of National Guard troops in domestic policing and the vetting of immigrants admitted under asylum or refugee programs. The shooter is reported to have entered the U.S. under such a program, which has triggered immediate political and security responses.
President Trump has called the shooting “an act of terror” and ordered more Guard troops deployed to Washington.
Human Impact and Importance
The death of Sarah Beckstrom — a young Guard member, only 20 years old — is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by military and paramilitary personnel even during domestic deployments. The fact that the shooting occurred just blocks from the seat of American government underscores how vulnerable security agents can be, even in supposedly “protected” urban zones.
For the West Virginia National Guard, the loss is heartbreaking. Colleagues, officials, and civilians across the country have expressed grief, offered condolences, and called for justice. The surviving victim’s condition remains critical — his fate uncertain, adding to the uncertainty and pain surrounding the event.
What to Watch — Investigation, Security Policies & Broader Implications
- Authorities are continuing their investigation: Why this particular target? Was the shooting motivated by extremist ideology, personal grievance, or mental-health issues? Prosecutors and federal agencies (including the Federal Bureau of Investigation) are reviewing the suspect’s background, communications, and possible motives.
- The case may trigger policy reviews concerning use of military forces for domestic security, immigration and asylum vetting procedures, and broader national-security protocols, especially after recent resettlement programs.
- Public debate is likely to intensify around the balance between maintaining security in U.S. capital zones and protecting fundamental civil-liberties — especially given political and ideological implications surrounding the suspect’s background and alleged links to foreign military/paramilitary units.
âś… References
- “National Guard member dies as ambush in US capital becomes political flashpoint” — Reuters. Reuters
- “1 of 2 National Guard members wounded in ‘targeted shooting’ has died, Trump says” — ABC News. ABC News
- “Washington DC national guard shooting: what we know so far” — The Guardian. The Guardian
- “National Guard members shot in Washington, DC, identified” — Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera
- “Two National Guard soldiers shot near White House, AFP/DHS sources say” — Reuters summary of the shooting event. Reuters Connect+1
- “2 National Guard members shot in D.C. near White House” — The Washington Post. The Washington Post+1
- “Two US National Guardsmen injured in Washington, DC, shooting” — Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera
