WASHINGTON, D.C. — A routine National Guard patrol turned into a deadly ambush on November 26, 2025, when 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two West Virginia National Guard members only blocks from the White House. The attack, which authorities describe as targeted and premeditated, killed 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe fighting for his life.

The shooting unfolded at 2:15 p.m. near 17th and I Streets, a busy corridor near Farragut Square. Police say Lakanwal approached the uniformed guardsmen and fired without warning using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, striking Beckstrom twice before shooting Wolfe multiple times. A third guardsman returned fire, hitting Lakanwal four times and enabling officers to take him into custody.

Victims Identified: A Selfless Volunteer and a Veteran Airman

Sarah Beckstrom (20)

• From Webster Springs, West Virginia
• Joined the National Guard in June 2023
• Assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company
• Volunteered for the D.C. deployment so others could spend Thanksgiving with family
• Died on November 27, 2025

Her father described the gunshot as a “mortal wound,” and tributes have since poured in from across West Virginia and the National Guard community.

Andrew Wolfe (24)

• From Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Enlisted in February 2019
• Serves with the 167th Airlift Wing
• Underwent emergency surgery
• Remains in critical condition

Their unit was part of the “D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission,” a federal policing initiative launched in August 2025.

Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal? Inside the Shooter’s Background

Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement program for Afghans who supported American forces. Previously, he served in NDS-03, a CIA-backed anti-Taliban unit operating in southern Afghanistan.

Key details about his background:

• Granted U.S. asylum in April 2025
• Lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife, five children, and brother
• Struggled with unemployment after his work permit expired
• Not cooperating with investigators
• Electronic devices seized from his home for federal analysis

Following Beckstrom’s death, prosecutors upgraded charges to first-degree murder, and the Justice Department confirmed it will pursue the death penalty if Wolfe does not survive.

Official Response: Terrorism Fears, Policy Shifts, and Immigration Backlash

President Donald Trump announced Beckstrom’s death during a Thanksgiving call with service members, calling the ambush “an act of terror” and deploying an additional 500 National Guard members to D.C.

The administration also launched sweeping policy actions:

• Nationwide pause on all asylum decisions
• Review of green cards from 19 countries
• Proposal to “permanently pause migration from third-world countries”

Critics argue these measures unfairly target migrants, especially given the extremely low rate of violent incidents among resettled Afghans. Immigration groups say the tragedy is being used to justify unrelated hardline policy shifts.

Timeline of Key Events

Where the Investigation Stands

Federal investigators—including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security—are analyzing digital evidence and probing any possible ideological motivations. So far, no manifesto or terrorism link has been confirmed.

Authorities emphasize:

• The attack was targeted
• Motive remains unclear
• No verified evidence of foreign coordination yet
• Lakanwal acted alone based on current findings

National Reaction: Mourning, Debate, and Division

A growing memorial at the scene marks community grief, with flowers, flags, and messages honoring Beckstrom and praying for Wolfe. Online, the story has ignited intense debate:

• Conservatives point to immigration failures and national security risks
• Progressives warn against scapegoating and racialized policy overreach
• Security experts note the shooter’s asylum was processed under the current administration, complicating political narratives

Conclusion

The D.C. shooting that claimed the life of Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured Andrew Wolfe has become a flashpoint in national debates about immigration, security, and federal response. As investigators work to uncover the shooter’s motive, the country faces a renewed challenge: pursuing justice without fueling broad-brush stigmas that may endanger vulnerable communities.