Washington D.C. – November 26, 2025 – Tragedy struck the nation’s capital with a devastating National Guard shooting. In a shocking incident, two National Guard members were shot on Wednesday afternoon near the White House, an event officials have broadly classified as a targeted attack. One brave soldier later died from their wounds, and the other remains in critical condition. This news has sent shockwaves nationwide, intensifying concerns about security and the ongoing National Guard deployment in D.C. The circumstances surrounding this profound National Guard shooting are still under intense scrutiny, adding to existing national security concerns.
The Attack Unfolds: A Shocking National Guard Shooting
The ambush, a shocking National Guard shooting, took place around 2:15 p.m. Two soldiers, members of the West Virginia National Guard who had been deployed to D.C. for months, were on patrol. The attack occurred just blocks from the White House. The suspect suddenly appeared, raised a firearm, and fired at the troops. Other Guard members quickly responded, subduing the shooter. The suspect was also shot and taken into custody, receiving medical treatment. The swift response by fellow soldiers highlights the dangers inherent in the National Guard deployment, especially in the context of a potential White House attack.
Victims Identified After National Guard Shooting
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro identified the victims of the tragic National Guard shooting. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, from Summersville, West Virginia, tragically died from her injuries on Thanksgiving evening. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, from Martinsburg, West Virginia, is the second victim. He underwent surgery and is still fighting for his life, his condition remaining critical. Their families are devastated, and this loss impacts the entire National Guard family. The nation mourns the loss of a soldier killed D.C. following this tragic National Guard shooting.
The Suspect and Investigation into the National Guard Shooting
Authorities identified the suspect in the National Guard shooting as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national suspect. He entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program that resettled Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal. The CIA confirmed Lakanwal’s past work with a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan. The FBI is leading the investigation, treating it as an act of terrorism. Search warrants were executed, including at his home in Washington state, as the investigation spans coast to coast. Lakanwal had driven from Washington state, allegedly planning this brazen assault. He is currently facing multiple charges, and prosecutors may seek the death penalty, pending the condition of Sgt. Wolfe. This incident adds to the discourse around the White House attack, raising significant national security concerns.
National Guard Presence in D.C. and the Shooting
The National Guard’s presence in D.C. has been a subject of debate. President Trump ordered a major deployment due to high crime rates, with nearly 2,200 troops active in the city, including a significant contingent from the West Virginia Guard. Just days before the shooting, a federal judge ordered the deployment’s end, but the ruling was stayed for an appeal filed by the Trump administration. The National Guard shooting occurred on the same day this appeal was active. President Trump responded swiftly, ordering an additional 500 National Guard troops to bolster security and vowing swift justice for the shooter. This incident underscores the heightened security needs related to the National Guard deployment.
Broader Context and Response to the Attack
This event fuels ongoing debates surrounding immigration policies. President Trump criticized the vetting process and questioned Afghan refugees, calling for a re-examination of all Afghans admitted under the Biden administration. The shooting occurred the day before Thanksgiving, adding to the national somber mood. Many are following this current news closely, with crime statistics and security measures trending. This incident highlights national security concerns and impacts news coverage from coast to coast, with stories from places like Los Angeles also reflecting these worries. The proximity to the White House elevates the concern around this White House attack, especially given the context of the National Guard shooting.
Ongoing Impact of the National Guard Shooting
The attack, a devastating National Guard shooting, serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by service members who protect citizens in challenging environments. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full motive behind this targeted attack. The National Guard remains vigilant, continuing their duty in the capital. The nation mourns Spc. Beckstrom and sends prayers to Sgt. Wolfe. This event leaves a lasting scar and raises critical questions concerning national security and immigration policy. The news continues to develop following this profound National Guard shooting incident, underscoring the gravity of a soldier killed D.C.
