National Guard Member Washington D.C. Shooting: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom Killed; Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal in Custody
Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of the West Virginia National Guard, died Nov. 27 after a targeted shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C.; a fellow Guard member remains critically wounded and the suspect is in custody.
Key takeaways
- Fatality: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died; she served with the 863rd Military Police Company (see West Virginia National Guard news release).
- Wounded: Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, of the West Virginia Air National Guard, remains hospitalized and critically injured (see ABC News report).
- Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was shot, taken into custody and is hospitalized; federal authorities have charged him with terrorism offenses (see SDPB coverage and video of officials’ remarks).
- Policy impact: USCIS paused processing for Afghan nationals pending review; prosecutors say they may seek life or the death penalty if either wounded member dies (see press conference video).
The shooting: what happened near the White House
Authorities say the attack occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at about 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut Square Metro Station, just a few blocks from the White House. Two National Guard members on patrol were fired upon after a gunman emerged from around a corner, according to law enforcement reports.
Nearby Guard members returned fire and subdued the assailant. The attacker was wounded and taken into custody at the scene. Both wounded service members were rushed to area hospitals and underwent surgery; Beckstrom was listed in critical condition before her death on Nov. 27. City officials have characterized the incident as a “targeted” attack (source: SDPB coverage).
About Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
Sarah Beckstrom joined the West Virginia National Guard on June 26, 2023, after graduating from Webster County High School in 2023. She served with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade and had volunteered for the deployment to Washington, D.C., as part of Operation DC Safe and Beautiful, stationed there since August 2025 (see West Virginia National Guard news release).
“A hero” — Colonel Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force District of Columbia, praised Beckstrom for volunteering to make the capital “safe and beautiful.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey issued a statement honoring her service, saying she “answered the call to serve, stepped forward willingly, and carried out her mission with the strength and character that define the very best of the West Virginia National Guard.”
Andrew Wolfe: fighting for his life
The second wounded service member, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard. He entered service in February 2019 and has received multiple service medals. Wolfe remains hospitalized and is fighting for his life, according to remarks reported during President Trump’s Thanksgiving call with troops (see ABC News report).
The suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal
Authorities identified the suspected shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in September 2021. Officials said he was admitted because of prior work with U.S. government partners in Afghanistan, including service with a partner force in Kandahar; that relationship ended after the chaotic 2021 evacuation (see SDPB coverage and officials’ remarks).
Multiple officials said Lakanwal had been granted asylum status and was living in Washington state before driving to Washington, D.C., where investigators say he carried out a targeted attack. Investigators report he used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver; he was wounded in the exchange and remains hospitalized (see SDPB coverage).
Charges and federal investigation
Federal prosecutors have charged Lakanwal with terrorism-related offenses. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said prosecutors will seek life in prison — and the death penalty if either service member dies — calling the shooting “a direct challenge to law and order in our capital.” The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism; no publicly established motive has been released and the probe remains active (see press conference video).
Policy responses and broader questions
The shooting prompted immediate policy moves: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services halted immigration processing for Afghan nationals nationwide while agencies review vetting procedures. Former President Trump called for a comprehensive review of Afghan arrivals, urging that officials “re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden” and remove anyone who “does not belong here or add benefit to our country” (see video of remarks).
The attack has also reignited debate over security posture around the capital, vetting of arrivals, and the deployment of National Guard forces to cities. Lawmakers and officials have demanded reviews of screening, vetting and force-protection practices in urban settings (see SDPB coverage).
Reactions from leaders and military officials
President Trump announced Beckstrom’s death during a Thanksgiving Day call and described her as a “magnificent person.” State and military leaders, including West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and senior commanders, praised Beckstrom’s decision to volunteer for duty in the capital and honored her sacrifice (see West Virginia National Guard news release).
Implications for Walla Walla, Washington
The death of a young Guard member resonates in communities like Walla Walla, which hosts many military families and veterans. Local impacts may include short-term economic activity tied to funeral and memorial events, increased civic engagement, and heightened debate over immigration and vetting policies.
Practical steps for local leaders include reviewing support systems for service members and their families — mental health resources, benefits access and emergency leave policies — and reassessing coordination between local first responders and National Guard units for incidents with national-security implications.
