Two West Virginia National Guard Members Critically Injured in D.C. Shooting

Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, approximately two blocks from the White House.

The victims have been identified as U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, of Martinsburg, W.Va., and U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Summersville, W.Va. Both soldiers were deployed to Washington, D.C., in August as part of a federal initiative to address crime in the capital.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was apprehended after being wounded during an exchange of gunfire. Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program and was granted asylum in April 2025. Authorities have labeled the attack an "act of terror," though the motive remains under investigation.

In response to the attack, President Donald Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C., expanding the existing force of over 2,200 troops. The administration has also announced a review of the vetting process for Afghan refugees admitted under the Operation Allies Welcome program.

Both injured soldiers remain hospitalized in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.