Afghan National Charged in Deadly Shooting of National Guard Members

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, D.C., on November 27, 2025, resulting in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critical injuries to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been charged in what officials describe as an “ambush-style” attack.

During a Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops, President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death, calling her an “incredible person” and referring to Lakanwal as a “savage monster.” He characterized the incident as a “terrorist attack” and criticized the Biden administration for its handling of Afghan refugees, suggesting insufficient vetting procedures allowed potentially dangerous individuals to enter the United States.

Details of the Incident

The shooting took place near the White House, just blocks from the presidential residence. According to Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Lakanwal used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in the attack. He faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro indicated that charges could potentially be upgraded depending on Wolfe’s condition, stating, “If they do not survive, that will certainly be the charge.”

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the act, asserting that it represented a direct assault on the nation. “Somebody drove across the country and came to Washington D.C. to attack America,” she stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in the prosecution of Lakanwal.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated by the Biden administration to evacuate and resettle Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan. He had previously worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, as a member of a special Afghan Army unit. This program has faced scrutiny for allegations of gaps in the vetting process, despite providing a critical lifeline to those at risk from the Taliban.

Ongoing Investigations and Responses

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have launched investigations into the shooting, treating it as an act of terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that agents have executed a series of search warrants as part of a “coast-to-coast investigation.” Meanwhile, the National Guard presence in the capital remains a contentious political issue, especially in light of Trump’s emergency order that federalized the local police force.

In response to the shooting, the Trump administration dispatched an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, increasing the total troop presence to nearly 2,200 in the area. These troops have been engaged in various roles, from patrolling neighborhoods to assisting in community safety measures.

In the aftermath of the shooting, prayer vigils were scheduled in Beckstrom’s hometown of Webster Springs, West Virginia, as the community mourns her loss. The Veterans of Foreign Wars post announced events to honor her memory and support her family during this challenging time.

This tragic incident highlights ongoing debates regarding national security and the vetting of immigrants, particularly those from conflict zones. As investigations continue, the impact of this event resonates deeply within the military community and the broader public.