D.C. National Guard Shooting: Suspect Charged with Murder After Soldier's Death

The tragic shooting of two National Guard members near the White House has resulted in the death of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in critical condition. Beckstrom, aged 20, succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day after being shot during an ambush on Wednesday.

The attack occurred near the Farragut Square Metro station while the guards were on patrol as part of a security mission initiated by President Donald Trump, who characterized Beckstrom as 'outstanding in every way.' U.S.

Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that the suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, will face first-degree murder charges following Beckstrom's death. Initially charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a violent crime, Lakanwal's charges were escalated after the fatality.

Pirro indicated that more charges may follow as details of the investigation develop. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and entered the U.S. in 2021 under a humanitarian parole program for Afghan nationals fleeing Taliban threats.

He applied for asylum in 2024, which was granted earlier this year. Officials described him as a member of a CIA partner force involved in combat operations known as Zero Units, which conducted missions against terrorist groups.

He is currently hospitalized after being shot by another National Guard member during the incident. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Lakanwal approached the guards and opened fire unexpectedly, using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.

Beckstrom was struck immediately, while Wolfe was also injured in the ensuing chaos. The revolver used in the attack was reportedly not registered to Lakanwal but belonged to a deceased Washington state resident.

Following the shooting, Lakanwal was subdued by other guard members, and investigations are ongoing to uncover any potential extremist influences. Local Afghan community leaders have condemned the attack, asserting that it does not reflect the Afghan community as a whole.

Advocacy groups have called for the public not to judge the broader Afghan population based on the actions of one individual. The shooting raises significant concerns regarding the security of National Guard members and the treatment of Afghan refugees in the U.S.

An investigation into Lakanwal's background is ongoing, with authorities examining his communications for any signs of radicalization or extremist connections. The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about the safety of service members and the broader implications for Afghan refugees adjusting to life in the United States.

As the investigation continues, the families of both Beckstrom and Wolfe are receiving support from the National Guard and local officials, who have emphasized the sacrifice made by these service members in defense of their country.