West Virginia guardsman Sarah Beckstrom dies after DC attack. Second soldier critical. Suspect charged with murder. Full coverage.
Table of Contents
DC Shooting Kills National Guard Member Sarah Beckstrom
Introduction
Tragedy struck downtown Washington Wednesday when gunfire claimed the life of a young military service member and left another clinging to life. West Virginia Army National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, died Thursday from wounds sustained in the afternoon attack.
Her fellow guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, continues receiving intensive medical care in what doctors describe as critical status. Both suffered gunshot injuries while conducting routine patrol operations near Farragut Square, situated just blocks from America’s executive mansion.
Law enforcement took 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal into custody immediately following the violence. The Afghan national faces escalating criminal charges after prosecutors announced murder indictment plans Friday morning.
Remembering Sarah Beckstrom
Military Career Beginning
Beckstrom joined military service in mid-2023, committing to serve her home state and nation:
| Career Element | Specifics |
|---|---|
| Service start | June 26, 2023 |
| Age | 20 years |
| Military unit | 863rd Military Police Company |
| Parent organization | 111th Engineer Brigade |
| State affiliation | West Virginia Army National Guard |
| Capital deployment | Began August 2025 |
| Length of service | Approximately 2 years |
Holiday Duty Choice
Rather than celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones, Beckstrom chose to remain on duty protecting the nation’s capital. Attorney General Pam Bondi disclosed this voluntary decision when discussing the case with media outlets.
Gary Beckstrom, the fallen soldier’s father, shared news of her passing through social media channels. His Facebook message reading “My baby girl has passed to glory” conveyed overwhelming family sorrow.
Critical Condition: Andrew Wolfe
Second Victim Battles for Life
Wolfe sustained severe trauma requiring ongoing emergency intervention. Medical professionals continue aggressive treatment protocols as the 24-year-old fights to survive injuries from the same violent encounter.
Friday morning updates from Attorney General Jeanine Pirro emphasized comprehensive support mobilization for Wolfe’s relatives. Government officials pledged unlimited resources to assist family members navigating this traumatic chapter.
Both wounded soldiers belonged to identical West Virginia National Guard units before receiving capital deployment orders last August.
Wednesday Afternoon Violence
Incident Chronology
Events unfolded rapidly in Washington’s commercial core during daylight hours:
| Moment | Occurrence |
|---|---|
| Around 2:00 PM Eastern | Gunfire erupts near Farragut Square |
| Geographic setting | Central business district |
| Casualties | Two military personnel on active patrol |
| Arrest made | Suspect detained at location |
| Suspect wounded | Four gunshot injuries during capture |
| Original accusation | Assault with deadly intent |
| Revised prosecution | Murder in first degree (announced Friday) |
White House proximity enabled extraordinarily swift multi-agency response. Personnel from various federal and local departments arrived within moments to provide emergency medicine and capture the alleged perpetrator.
Accused Shooter: Background Investigation
Lakanwal’s Afghan Military Experience
Former comrades provided journalists detailed accounts of the suspect’s previous military involvement. A commander who worked directly with Lakanwal shared extensive background information with BBC correspondents.
Military placement: Served with Unit 03, Kandahar Strike Force (nicknamed Scorpion Forces locally)
Command structure: Initially operated under CIA direction before Afghan intelligence transfer
Technical role: Functioned as GPS tracking technology specialist
Personality profile: Described by colleagues as having upbeat, athletic temperament
Evacuation duty: Maintained security at Kabul airport during 2021 withdrawal chaos
Immigration Journey Details
As Taliban forces approached Kabul in August 2021, Lakanwal’s entire unit received emergency relocation orders. They moved from Kandahar reaching the capital five days before insurgent takeover.
The unit continued protecting airport perimeter for nearly a week during frantic evacuation operations. Eventually they received seats on American military aircraft departing for the United States.
Thursday press briefings featured FBI Director Kash Patel confirming the suspect maintained “a relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces” preceding American resettlement. CIA Director John Ratcliffe acknowledged direct collaboration with the intelligence apparatus.
Official records indicate asylum application submission occurred in 2024, with approval granted during early 2025.
Legal Action and Prosecution
Murder Charges Forthcoming
Washington DC’s chief federal prosecutor declared Friday that preliminary assault accusations would transform into first-degree murder prosecution following Beckstrom’s death.
During Fox and Friends television appearance, prosecutor Pirro emphasized premeditation elements. She characterized the violence as calculated ambush against unsuspecting targets, establishing foundation for top-tier homicide charges.
Law enforcement sources informed CBS News that the suspect absorbed four bullets during his apprehension by responding officers.
Military Deployment Background
Capital Crime Reduction Campaign
Washington DC has hosted over 2,000 National Guard troops continuously since August. This military presence implements administration strategy addressing what officials characterize as escalating urban violence.
Assignment type: Conspicuous patrols throughout downtown zones
Authority limits: Prohibited from law enforcement powers or arrest capabilities
Primary function: Visible deterrent presence supporting police operations
Timeline: Commenced August without specified conclusion date
Similar deployments occurred in other American metropolitan areas the president identified as experiencing severe criminal activity surges.
Immigration Policy Reactions
Immediate Administrative Measures
The fatal attack prompted swift White House declarations modifying immigration protocols for multiple nations.
Afghan application freeze: Complete halt to processing immigration petitions from Afghanistan
Permanent residency audit: Comprehensive review of green cards previously issued to nationals from 19 countries
Target nation list: Includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, plus 13 additional countries
Broader proposal: Presidential announcement of “permanent pause” on migration from developing nations without detailed implementation specifics
Administration officials have not released complete implementation schedules or comprehensive country rosters for the expanded migration suspension initiative.
White House Communications
Thanksgiving Announcement Timing
President Trump disclosed Beckstrom’s death during scheduled holiday communications with deployed service personnel. He characterized her as representing magnificence and earning universal respect before confirming “She’s no longer with us.”
White House staff verified subsequent private telephone conversation between the president and Beckstrom’s parents. Trump framed the incident as exposing critical national security weaknesses demanding immediate policy intervention.
FAQs About National Guard DC Attack
1. What happened to Sarah Beckstrom?
The 20-year-old West Virginia Army National Guard member died Thursday from gunshot wounds received during a Wednesday afternoon attack near Farragut Square in downtown Washington. She enlisted in June 2023 and had volunteered for Thanksgiving duty.
2. Is Andrew Wolfe still alive after the shooting?
Wolfe, age 24, remains alive but in critical medical condition requiring intensive care. His survival remains uncertain as treatment continues. Authorities are providing comprehensive family support during this crisis.
3. What is known about shooter Rahmanullah Lakanwal?
The 29-year-old Afghan national worked with CIA forces in Afghanistan and helped protect Kabul airport during 2021 evacuations. He arrived in America through special immigration programs and received asylum approval in 2025.
4. What criminal charges will the suspect face?
Prosecutors upgraded initial assault charges to first-degree murder Friday after Beckstrom’s death. Officials describe the incident as premeditated ambush, supporting the highest murder charge category.
5. How has this shooting changed immigration policy?
The administration halted Afghan immigration processing, initiated green card reviews for 19 countries, and announced plans for broader migration suspension from developing nations, though complete details remain unannounced.
Conclusion
Sarah Beckstrom’s death and Andrew Wolfe’s critical injuries represent profound loss for military families and the National Guard community. One young volunteer paid the ultimate price while another struggles for survival after violence mere blocks from the presidential residence.
Criminal proceedings advance against the accused while immigration policy debates intensify nationwide. The incident highlights persistent security questions surrounding troops deployed for domestic urban patrol missions.
Thoughts and prayers remain with the Beckstrom family, Wolfe’s loved ones, and all guardsmen serving in challenging assignments.