Investigating the Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, DC

Fri Nov 28 2025 14:46:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A critical incident involving the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, raises pressing questions about security and the individual identified as the shooter.

Two members of the National Guard were shot near the White House in Washington, DC, leading to the death of one and serious injury to another. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has been apprehended. In response, President Trump announced the deployment of additional National Guard troops to enhance security. Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting, the background of the suspect, and the victims' identities have prompted discussions about national security and immigration policies.

Investigating the Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, DC

Two members of the National Guard were shot and seriously wounded on Wednesday just blocks from the White House in Washington, DC. One of the guardsmen, identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died on Thursday subsequent to the attack, while the second, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. The shooter has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who is in custody after being shot by law enforcement during his apprehension.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 PM EST near Farragut Square, an area typically bustling with office workers during lunch hours. Reports indicate that Lakanwal ambushed the two soldiers while they were conducting a high-visibility patrol. Local leaders, including Washington DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser, have characterized the attack as targeted, prompting swift responses from law enforcement.

President Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago residence at the time, spoke out against the attack, labeling it an act of terror. In light of the incident, Trump has pledged to send an additional 500 troops to the Capitol, increasing the existing force of around 2,200 National Guardsmen already deployed in the city to address rising crime levels.

Details on the Suspect

Lakanwal reportedly moved to the United States in September 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, which aimed to assist Afghans fleeing the Taliban following the U.S. withdrawal. Officials have expressed concern, with Trump advocating for a thorough re-evaluation of Afghan immigrants, particularly in light of the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel also noted that Lakanwal had a history of cooperating with U.S. forces during his time in Afghanistan. He is facing multiple charges, including three counts of assault with intent to kill.

The Victims

Beckstrom volunteered to serve in Washington, DC over the Thanksgiving holiday, an act of dedication highlighted by officials during press conferences following the attack. The loss of Beckstrom has been noted as a tragedy, and Wolfe's ongoing fight for recovery remains a focal point for family and officials alike.

The investigation continues as the city grapples with the implications of such violence, with broader discussions anticipated regarding national security and immigration policies in the wake of this incident.