Two West Virginia National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, have been identified as the victims of a targeted ambush near the White House on Wednesday, as reported by multiple news outlets. The attack occurred just blocks from the nation’s capital, with both Beckstrom and Wolfe critically injured and undergoing surgery. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, confirmed during a press conference that the two were sworn in less than 24 hours prior to the shooting, highlighting their commitment to public service.
Beckstrom and Wolfe were members of the West Virginia National Guard, deployed to Washington under an executive order from former President Donald Trump to address crime in the city. According to Pirro, the shooting was ‘brazen and targeted,’ with a lone gunman using a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver, striking both Guardsmen. Despite the violence, nearby Guard members immediately responded, subduing the suspect before he could cause additional harm. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, remains in custody with heavy security measures in place.
In addition to the immediate aftermath, authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting, considering the possibility of international terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the suspect had ties to U.S. forces in Afghanistan, including the CIA, and that the investigation is examining potential associations with both domestic and international contacts. Patel also revealed that federal agencies have executed search warrants in Washington state, recovering electronic devices that are being analyzed to uncover further details about the suspect’s background and motivations.
Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under a humanitarian parole program, part of the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, which provided asylum to those fleeing the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His asylum request was processed during the Trump administration, raising questions about the screening process for individuals entering the country. Patel emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement committed to following the evidence wherever it leads, including potential inquiries into the suspect’s past associations and potential support networks within the U.S.
The incident has intensified debates on national security, immigration, and the role of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement. While officials have praised the courage of Beckstrom and Wolfe, the attack has also raised concerns about the safety of both military personnel and the public. As the full extent of the suspect’s background and intentions remains unclear, the case continues to represent a complex intersection of international relations, national security, and the challenges of integrating returning refugees into American society.