Full Breakdown
Targeted Shooting of National Guard Members Near the White House
11/28/2025, 1:55:32 AM
Incident Overview
On November 26, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were critically injured in a targeted shooting near the White House. The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. outside the Farragut West Metro station, where the guardsmen were on patrol as part of a heightened security presence in Washington, D.C. The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly drove cross-country from Washington state to carry out the ambush, using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.
Details of the Attack
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro described the incident as a "horrific and evil" act, stating that Lakanwal ambushed the guardsmen, striking one multiple times. Other National Guard members intervened, subduing Lakanwal after he was shot during the exchange. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism, with inquiries extending to Lakanwal's background and potential connections to individuals in Afghanistan.
Background of the Suspect
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to resettle Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan war. He applied for asylum in December 2024 and was granted status in April 2025. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. forces in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Despite his background, the motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Official Responses
President Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time of the shooting, condemned the attack as "an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror." He announced plans to re-examine the immigration status of Afghan nationals admitted during the Biden administration and ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to D.C. in response to the incident. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services subsequently halted processing immigration applications from Afghan nationals pending a review of security protocols.
Criticism and Opposition
The deployment of National Guard troops in D.C. has faced legal challenges and criticism, particularly from local officials. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser characterized the shooting as a "targeted" attack, while some critics argue that the presence of the National Guard was politically motivated and unnecessary. Jeanine Pirro rebuffed questions regarding the appropriateness of the National Guard's deployment, asserting that their presence was essential for public safety in a city with high crime rates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the FBI is actively investigating the shooting, details regarding Lakanwal's motives and any potential accomplices remain undisclosed. The investigation is ongoing, with searches being conducted at Lakanwal's residence in Washington state and inquiries in San Diego.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was just not an attack. It was a direct challenge to law and order in our capital,” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C.
- “We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States.
- “Two families are shattered and destroyed and torn apart as the result of the actions of one man,” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C.
- “We will ensure that our law enforcement partners are out there to make sure the world can enjoy our nation’s capital,” — Kash Patel, FBI Director.
