Tragic Shooting Claims Life of National Guard Member in Washington DC

Fri Nov 28 2025 23:22:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A young National Guard member, Sarah Beckstrom, has died following a shooting in Washington DC, while another guard member remains hospitalized. The incident raises concerns over national security and immigration policies.

Twenty-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the National Guard, succumbed to her injuries from a shooting near Farragut Square, Washington DC. The attack occurred on Wednesday, leaving her fellow guard member, Andrew Wolfe, critically injured. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who emigrated from Afghanistan, is charged with first-degree murder. This tragic event prompts a reevaluation of security measures and immigration policies by the Trump administration.

Tragic Shooting Claims Life of National Guard Member in Washington DC

A member of the National Guard, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died after a shooting incident in Washington DC, which also left her colleague Andrew Wolfe, 24, critically injured. President Trump confirmed Beckstrom's passing during a Thanksgiving call with US service members, describing her as a 'highly respected' young individual.

The shooting took place near Farragut Square on Wednesday after 2 PM EST. Authorities quickly apprehended the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old from Afghanistan, who has since been charged with first-degree murder.

As law enforcement investigates this violent encounter, details emerge suggesting it was premeditated. Commentators have described the attack as an ambush—they highlight the incident's implications for national security and call for urgent reforms in immigration policies related to individuals from conflict-affected regions.

Beckstrom, who had volunteered to serve during Thanksgiving, was part of a heightened military presence aimed at combating crime in Washington. Jim Justice, a West Virginia senator, expressed his devastation over her death and extended sympathies to her family.

Trump's administration has initiated measures to reevaluate immigration protocols for Afghans, further complicating the dialogue surrounding national security in the wake of this tragedy. as officials announced a suspension of processing requests from countries deemed security threats.

While the community mourns Sarah Beckstrom, conversations about public safety and immigration continue to unfold against the backdrop of this heartbreaking event.