National Guard Member Dies After Washington D.C. Shooting; Suspect Identified

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, has died from injuries sustained in a shooting near the White House on November 26, 2025. President Donald Trump confirmed her death on November 27, describing her as a "highly respected, young, magnificent person."

The attack also critically injured Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains hospitalized. Both soldiers were part of a National Guard deployment to Washington, D.C., initiated in August 2025 as part of a crime-fighting mission.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome resettlement program. Lakanwal had previously worked with CIA-backed military units in Afghanistan.

U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., Jeanine Pirro, stated that Lakanwal would be charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. If the victims do not survive, charges could be elevated to first-degree murder.

In response to the incident, President Trump announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital and called for a comprehensive review of Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration's policies.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. Authorities have executed search warrants at Lakanwal's residences in Washington state and San Diego, California.

Refugee advocacy groups have expressed concern about potential backlash against Afghan communities in the U.S. following the attack. Organizations like #AfghanEvac and Displaced International emphasize that the actions of one individual should not lead to generalized xenophobia or unjust treatment of Afghan refugees.