National Guard Shot in DC Dead: Sarah Beckstrom Killed in Washington Ambush Attack, Andrew Wolfe Critical After Afghan Suspect Opens Fire Near White House

National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe who were shot in Washington DC near the White House in targeted ambush attack

National Guard Member Dies After Washington DC Shooting Near White House

A National Guard member shot in Washington DC has died from her injuries, President Donald Trump confirmed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2025. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to gunshot wounds suffered during what authorities are calling a targeted ambush attack just blocks from the White House.

The West Virginia National Guard soldier was one of two guardsmen shot at close range on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM EST near Farragut Square in downtown Washington DC. The second victim, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition after being shot multiple times.

The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, is in custody and faces upgraded murder charges. The shooting, which occurred during the busy lunchtime hours in a high-traffic area near the corner of 17th and I streets, has sparked intense political debate about immigration policy and National Guard deployments in American cities.

President Trump called the shooting an "act of terror" and "a crime against humanity," announcing he would deploy an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington DC in response to what he characterized as a direct attack on American servicemembers protecting the nation's capital.

Sarah Beckstrom Dead: National Guard Volunteer Killed on Thanksgiving Duty

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died on Thursday, November 28, 2025—Thanksgiving Day—from injuries sustained in the previous day's shooting, President Trump announced during a Thanksgiving call with U.S. service members.

Who Was Sarah Beckstrom?

Age: 20 years old

Service: West Virginia National Guard (uniformed member)

Location: Deployed to Washington DC as part of high-visibility patrol operations

Sacrifice: Volunteered to work in Washington DC over the Thanksgiving holiday so other guardsmen could spend time with their families

Sarah Beckstrom's Selfless Decision:

Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed the heartbreaking context of Beckstrom's presence in Washington DC during a Fox News interview:

"She volunteered, as did many of those guardsmen and women, so other people could be home with their families."

Instead of spending Thanksgiving 2025 with her own loved ones in West Virginia, the 20-year-old guardsman chose to serve in the nation's capital, patrolling streets to protect residents and office workers during the holiday week.

Tributes to Sarah Beckstrom:

Following news of her death, tributes poured in from:

West Virginia Governor and state officials
National Guard leadership expressing devastation at the loss
Trump administration officials calling her a hero
Washington DC residents grateful for her service
Fellow service members mourning a colleague

FBI Director Kash Patel described the attack as guardsmen being "brazenly attacked" while performing their duties.

Beckstrom's death marks a tragic loss for the West Virginia National Guard and highlights the dangers faced by service members deployed domestically to patrol American cities.

Andrew Wolfe Condition: Second National Guard Victim Remains Critical

Andrew Wolfe, 24, the second West Virginia National Guard member shot in the Washington DC attack, remains in critical condition as of November 29, 2025.

Andrew Wolfe's Injuries:

Age: 24 years old

Service: West Virginia National Guard (uniformed member)

Condition: Critical but stable

Injuries: Shot multiple times during the ambush attack

Hospital Status: Receiving ongoing treatment at a Washington DC trauma center

What We Know About Andrew Wolfe's Condition:

President Trump confirmed during his Thanksgiving call with service members that Wolfe "remains in critical condition after being shot multiple times."

Medical sources have not released specific details about:

The number of gunshot wounds
Which parts of his body were struck
Whether he's undergone multiple surgeries
His long-term prognosis

Family Statement:

Wolfe's family has requested privacy during this difficult time, though they've expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from across the country.

Recovery Outlook:

While Wolfe survived the initial attack and subsequent surgeries, "critical condition" indicates he faces significant medical challenges. Gunshot wound patients in critical condition often require:

Multiple surgical interventions
Extended intensive care unit (ICU) stays
Physical rehabilitation if permanent injuries occurred
Psychological support for trauma

The fact that he was shot multiple times suggests severe injuries that will require lengthy recovery, though doctors have not publicly commented on his specific prognosis.

What Happened in the DC Shooting? Timeline of National Guard Attack

The Washington DC National Guard shooting unfolded as a sudden ambush on two uniformed soldiers conducting routine patrol duties near the White House.

Timeline of Events:

2:00 PM EST (7:00 PM GMT) - Wednesday, November 27, 2025:

Two West Virginia National Guard members—Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24—were on a high-visibility patrol near Farragut Square in downtown Washington DC.

The location, at the corner of 17th and I streets, is a busy area where office workers congregate during lunch hours, just blocks from the White House.

The Attack:

Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll described the shooting as an ambush:

"The suspect came around the corner and immediately started firing. The soldiers had been ambushed."

Key Details:

Close-range shooting: The gunman fired at extremely close proximity
No warning: The soldiers had no time to react or take defensive positions
Immediate gunfire: The suspect began shooting the moment he encountered the guardsmen
Multiple shots: Both victims were struck, with Wolfe hit multiple times

Location Significance:

Farragut Square is located:

Just blocks from the White House
In downtown Washington DC's business district
Near federal office buildings and private businesses
In a heavily surveilled area with significant law enforcement presence

The proximity to the White House meant law enforcement officials arrived within minutes to treat the victims and apprehend the gunman.

Mayor's Statement:

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the attack was targeted, not a random act of violence:

"The incident was a targeted attack."

This designation suggests the suspect specifically sought out National Guard members rather than randomly firing at civilians.

Trump's Location:

President Donald Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday when the shooting occurred, not at the White House.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal: Who Is the National Guard Shooting Suspect?

The suspect in the National Guard shooting has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the United States in 2021.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal Background:

Full Name: Rahmanullah Lakanwal

Age: 29 years old

Nationality: Afghan

Immigration Status: Entered the U.S. in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome; granted asylum in 2025

Current Residence: State of Washington (West Coast)

Family: Lived with his wife and five children

Work History: Worked with the CIA in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S.

How Rahmanullah Lakanwal Came to the United States:

Operation Allies Welcome:

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program established during President Joe Biden's administration following the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Historical Context:

As the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the U.S. government created special immigration protections for Afghans who had cooperated with American forces, fearing they faced retribution from the Taliban.

Congressional Research Service estimates approximately 77,000 Afghans entered the United States under these special protections during the roughly one-year period following the withdrawal.

Lakanwal's CIA Connection:

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Lakanwal "had a relationship in Afghanistan with U.S. forces."

CIA Director John Ratcliffe went further, stating Lakanwal "had worked with the intelligence agency."

According to a former military commander who spoke to the BBC, Lakanwal had been recruited to Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force in Afghanistan.

This military and intelligence background makes the attack even more shocking, as Lakanwal was supposedly aligned with U.S. interests before his immigration.

Asylum Application:

An official told CBS News that Lakanwal:

Applied for asylum in 2024 (three years after arriving)
Was granted asylum earlier in 2025

This means he had official protected status at the time of the shooting.

Current Condition and Cooperation:

During his apprehension, Lakanwal was shot four times, according to law enforcement sources who spoke to CBS News.

Officials say he is "not cooperating with authorities," refusing to answer questions about his motive or whether he acted alone.

Department of Homeland Security Statement:

DHS described Lakanwal as "a criminal alien from Afghanistan," terminology the Trump administration has used to emphasize his immigration status in the context of the crime.

Charges Against Rahmanullah Lakanwal: First-Degree Murder Announced

The suspect faces upgraded charges of first-degree murder following Sarah Beckstrom's death, U.S. Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro announced.

Initial Charges Filed:

Before Beckstrom's Death:

Three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed
Possession of a firearm during a crime of violence

Upgraded Charges After Death:

After Beckstrom Died:

First-degree murder (premeditated)
Additional assault charges related to Andrew Wolfe's injuries
Firearms violations

Why First-Degree Murder?

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro explained the reasoning during a Fox and Friends interview on Friday, November 29:

"It is a premeditated murder. There was an ambush with a gun toward people who didn't know what was coming. And that is the homicide, and that is the murder that we're looking at right now."

First-degree murder requires proof of:

Premeditation: The defendant planned the killing in advance
Intent: The defendant specifically intended to kill
Malice aforethought: The killing was deliberate and unjustified

The ambush nature of the attack—where the suspect "came around the corner" and "immediately started firing"—demonstrates premeditation and intent, according to prosecutors.

Potential Penalties:

If convicted of first-degree murder in Washington DC, Lakanwal could face:

Life in prison without parole (DC does not have the death penalty)
Additional consecutive sentences for assault and firearms charges
Federal terrorism charges (if pursued separately)

Federal vs. DC Charges:

While the current charges are being pursued by the U.S. Attorney for Washington DC (local prosecution), the Trump administration could also pursue federal charges including:

Terrorism-related offenses
Attacks on federal personnel
Hate crimes (if motivated by anti-American sentiment)

Federal charges could carry different penalties, including potential death penalty considerations under federal law.

Trump Response to National Guard Shooting: 500 More Troops Deployed

President Donald Trump responded swiftly to the National Guard shooting, announcing immediate policy changes and troop deployments.

Trump's Immediate Actions:

Within Hours of the Shooting:

Trump posted a video statement from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, where he was spending the Thanksgiving holiday.

Trump's Characterization:

Called it an "act of terror"
Described it as "a crime against humanity"
Blamed immigration policies for allowing the suspect into the country

Troop Deployment Announcement:

Trump announced he would deploy an additional 500 National Guardsmen to Washington DC.

Current Force Levels:

Before shooting: Nearly 2,200 National Guard troops in DC
After deployment: Approximately 2,700 troops

National Guard Role in Washington DC:

Trump initially deployed National Guard troops to DC in August 2025 to tackle what he called "out of control" crime in the nation's capital.

National Guard Capabilities and Limitations:

Can serve as a visible deterrent through uniformed patrols
Cannot enforce laws or make arrests (not law enforcement officers)
Serve in a support and presence capacity
Can assist law enforcement if needed

Crime Statistics:

Trump credits the National Guard presence with reducing overall crime in Washington DC since August 2025, though independent analysts note crime trends were already declining before troop deployment.

Immigration Policy Changes Following Shooting:

Trump used the shooting to justify sweeping immigration restrictions:

November 27 (Day of Shooting):

Suspended processing of all immigration requests from Afghans

November 28 (Day After):

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced plans to re-examine green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries, including:
- Afghanistan
- Cuba
- Haiti
- Iran
- Somalia
- Venezuela
- (13 additional countries not publicly named)

Trump's Broader Immigration Pledge:

The president announced he would "permanently pause migration" to the U.S. from all "third-world countries"—using outdated terminology to describe poorer, developing nations.

November 29 (Friday):

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Trump administration would halt asylum decisions for all nationalities until enhanced vetting procedures are implemented:

"Until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Political Implications:

The shooting has become a flashpoint in immigration debates, with:

Trump Administration Arguing:

The attack proves current vetting is inadequate
Afghan refugees pose national security risks
Immigration from certain countries should be halted

Critics Responding:

The suspect worked with U.S. forces and was thoroughly vetted
Collective punishment of all immigrants is unjust
Domestic extremism poses greater statistical threat than refugee violence

Afghans in the U.S. Pleading:

Afghan communities have urged Trump not to toughen his stance against all Afghan nationals based on one individual's actions, noting the vast majority came to the U.S. as allies who risked their lives helping American forces.

Where Did the DC National Guard Shooting Happen? Farragut Square Location

The shooting occurred at Farragut Square, a prominent public space in downtown Washington DC.

Farragut Square Details:

Address: Corner of 17th and I Streets NW, Washington DC

Neighborhood: Downtown DC, central business district

Distance from White House: Approximately 3-4 blocks north

What's Near Farragut Square:

Government Buildings:

White House (4 blocks south)
Various federal office buildings
State and local government offices

Business District:

Major corporate offices
Law firms
Consulting companies
Restaurants and cafes

Public Transit:

Farragut West Metro station (Orange, Blue, Silver lines)
Farragut North Metro station (Red line)
Multiple bus routes

Why This Location Matters:

High Foot Traffic:

The corner of 17th and I streets is extremely busy during lunch hours, with office workers grabbing food, running errands, and walking between meetings.

Security Presence:

The area's proximity to the White House means it has:

Extensive CCTV surveillance
Regular police patrols
Quick law enforcement response times
Secret Service proximity

Symbolic Target:

Attacking National Guard members near the White House carries symbolic weight, potentially explaining why authorities characterize it as a targeted attack rather than random violence.

National Guard Deaths: Risks of Domestic Deployments

Sarah Beckstrom's death highlights the dangers faced by National Guard members deployed to American cities for domestic operations.

National Guard Domestic Mission:

Traditional Roles:

Disaster response (hurricanes, floods, wildfires)
Civil unrest support
Border security operations
Pandemic response (COVID-19 testing sites, vaccine distribution)

Newer Roles Under Trump:

Urban crime deterrence patrols
High-visibility presence in cities
Support for federal law enforcement operations

Risks to National Guard on Domestic Deployments:

Attacks on Uniformed Personnel:

While rare, National Guard members face risks including:

Targeted attacks by individuals hostile to government authority
Being caught in crossfire during violent incidents
Vehicle attacks (running over soldiers)
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in extreme cases

Psychological Toll:

Domestic deployments can be more stressful than some overseas missions because:

Soldiers patrol their own country, creating moral complexity
Rules of engagement are restrictive (cannot use military force)
Constant visibility without ability to defend themselves robustly
Public criticism and political controversy

Previous Attacks on National Guard in U.S.:

While uncommon, there have been previous incidents:

2020: Vehicle attacks during civil unrest protests
2021: Security concerns during Capitol riot response
Various isolated incidents during disaster response operations

Sarah Beckstrom's death marks one of the most direct and deadly attacks on National Guard members conducting routine patrol operations in a U.S. city during peacetime.

Afghan Community Response: Plea to Trump Not to Punish All Refugees

Afghan refugees and immigrants in the United States have issued urgent pleas to President Trump not to collectively punish their entire community for one individual's actions.

Afghan American Advocacy:

Key Arguments from Afghan Community Leaders:

Collective Punishment is Unjust:

One person's crimes don't represent 77,000+ Afghan refugees
The vast majority are law-abiding, grateful Americans
Punishing all Afghans violates American values of individual accountability

Service and Sacrifice:

Many Afghans risked their lives helping U.S. military
Worked as translators, interpreters, intelligence sources
Faced Taliban death threats for their cooperation
Came to U.S. specifically because of their service to America

Integration Success Stories:

Afghan refugees have started businesses
Children are excelling in schools
Families are contributing to communities
Military veterans among refugee population

Personal Impact of New Restrictions:

Suspended Immigration Processing:

Afghans with family members still waiting to come to the U.S. face:

Indefinite separation from loved ones
Family members in danger from Taliban in Afghanistan
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications frozen
No timeline for when processing might resume

Green Card Re-examinations:

Even Afghans with permanent resident status face:

Uncertainty about their legal status
Potential revocation of green cards
Fear of deportation despite years of lawful residence
Chilling effect on community integration

National Security Experts Weigh In:

Some security analysts argue:

Collective restrictions could harm U.S. national security
Future foreign nationals will be less likely to help U.S. forces
Message sent: "Even if you help America, you'll be punished later"
Could undermine intelligence operations worldwide

Others support restrictions:

Argue vetting processes were insufficient during chaotic 2021 withdrawal
Point to security concerns about rapid processing
Support enhanced screening measures

Investigating the DC Shooting: What Authorities Are Examining

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the National Guard shooting.

Agencies Involved:

Federal:

FBI (lead federal investigative agency)
Department of Homeland Security
CIA (given suspect's intelligence background)
ATF (firearms tracing and analysis)

Local:

Metropolitan Police Department (DC police)
U.S. Attorney's Office for Washington DC

Key Questions Investigators Are Asking:

Motive:

Why did Lakanwal target National Guard members?
Was this politically motivated terrorism?
Was it religiously motivated?
Was it related to mental health issues?
Did he have grievances against the U.S. government?

Planning:

How long did he plan the attack?
Did he conduct surveillance of National Guard patrols?
How did he acquire the firearm?
Where did he get ammunition?
Did he have written plans or manifestos?

Connections:

Did he act alone or have accomplices?
Was he radicalized by domestic or foreign groups?
Did he have contact with terrorist organizations?
Were there communications suggesting advance planning?

Travel:

How did he get from Washington State to Washington DC?
When did he arrive in the capital?
Where was he staying?
How was his travel funded?

Forensic Evidence:

Investigators are examining:

Firearm and ballistics evidence
Lakanwal's phone and electronic devices
Financial records and transactions
Social media accounts and online activity
Witness statements and surveillance footage
Gunshot residue and forensic analysis

Suspect's Refusal to Cooperate:

Lakanwal is "not cooperating with authorities," which means:

He's exercising his right to remain silent
Investigators must build case through physical evidence
Motive may remain unclear unless evidence reveals it
Trial could hinge on forensic and circumstantial evidence

Sarah Beckstrom Funeral and Memorial: Honoring a Fallen Guardian

Funeral arrangements for Sarah Beckstrom are being organized by the West Virginia National Guard and her family.

Expected Memorial Events:

Military Honors:

As a fallen National Guard member, Beckstrom will likely receive:

Full military funeral with honor guard
Flag-draped casket
21-gun salute
Taps performance
Flag presentation to family
Military escort

West Virginia State Honors:

The state is expected to:

Lower flags to half-staff
Hold state memorial service
Offer public condolences
Support the Beckstrom family

National Recognition:

Given the circumstances of her death, Beckstrom may receive:

Presidential acknowledgment
Congressional recognition
National Guard memorial designation
Possible posthumous decorations or awards

Beckstrom's Legacy:

At just 20 years old, Sarah Beckstrom's legacy will be remembered as:

A volunteer who put service above self
A young woman who chose duty over holiday celebrations
A guardian who died protecting the nation's capital
A West Virginian who represented her state with honor

Her volunteer decision to work Thanksgiving so others could be with family will be particularly remembered as emblematic of selfless service.

Sources:

BBC News: National Guard Shooting Coverage
CBS News: Suspect and Victim Information
Metropolitan Police Department Official Statements
President Donald Trump Official Statements
U.S. Attorney's Office for Washington DC
Department of Homeland Security Announcements

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