Afghan National Charged in Fatal Shooting of National Guard Members Near White House
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been charged with first-degree murder following the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House, resulting in one death and another critically injured.
On November 26, 2025, two National Guard members were shot near the Farragut West metro station in Washington, D.C., approximately two blocks from the White House. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended at the scene.
The victims, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, were critically injured in the attack. Beckstrom later succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, had previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan paramilitary unit known as the "Zero Units." He was granted asylum in April 2025.
In response to the incident, President Donald Trump labeled the shooting a "terrorist attack" and announced a halt to all asylum decisions, as well as the suspension of visa processing for Afghan passport holders.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack. Authorities have indicated that Lakanwal acted alone.
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