Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.

On November 27, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot in a targeted attack near the White House. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at Farragut Square, a busy area frequented by tourists. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe remains in critical condition. The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was also injured during the confrontation and is currently under police custody in a hospital.

The Guardian

Rahmanullah Lakanwal emigrated from Afghanistan to the United States in September 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, which was initiated to assist Afghans who aided U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict. Lakanwal had previously worked with CIA-backed military units in Afghanistan. He was granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration. Following the shooting, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced that Lakanwal would face charges of assault with intent to kill, which could escalate to first-degree murder due to Beckstrom's death.

The Guardian

President Donald Trump addressed the nation following the incident, describing it as an "act of terror" and criticizing the Biden administration for allowing Lakanwal into the country. He emphasized the need to reassess the vetting process for Afghan immigrants, claiming that millions of "unknown and unvetted foreigners" pose a national security threat. Trump stated, “We must re-examine every single alien who has entered our country under Biden.”

CNN

In contrast, officials have indicated that Lakanwal underwent extensive vetting before his entry into the U.S., with no red flags identified during the process. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Lakanwal was part of a program designed to protect vulnerable Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

CNN

Critics of the Trump administration's immigration policies have pointed out that the vetting processes for Afghan refugees were thorough, countering claims that Lakanwal was unvetted. A senior U.S. official stated that Lakanwal was subjected to extensive background checks, which returned no concerning results. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing debate regarding immigration policy and national security.

CNN

In the aftermath of the shooting, D.C. police are collaborating with the National Guard to enhance security measures in the area. There are discussions about pairing National Guard members with police officers for increased safety during patrols. Additionally, the investigation into Lakanwal's motives continues, with law enforcement agencies treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.

Washington's Top News (WTOP)

• “Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person … She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

The Guardian

• “Unfortunately, today, as most families join together to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon them, two families have been shattered and destroyed and have been torn apart as a result of the actions of one man,” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

CNN

• “What we know about him is that he drove his vehicle across country from the state of Washington with the intended target of coming to our nation’s capital,” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

CNN

This tragic event has sparked renewed discussions about immigration policy, national security, and the safety of military personnel in urban environments.

CNN