Young Guardsman Killed While Patrolling Near the White House
Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, has died from wounds sustained in a shooting Wednesday afternoon blocks from the White House. Beckstrom and a fellow guardsman were on patrol under orders from the Trump administration when an assailant opened fire near the Farragut Square Metro Station at about 2:15 p.m.
President Donald Trump announced Beckstrom’s death during a press conference at 6:30 p.m. The other injured guardsman, identified as Spc. Andrew Wolfe, was also wounded and listed in critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was shot during the incident and taken into custody by other guardsmen on scene. All three were transported to area hospitals.
Details of the Shooting and Immediate Response
Officials say the suspect emerged around a corner where Beckstrom and Wolfe were patrolling and began shooting. Lakanwal did not travel far before being subdued. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have joined a coordinated investigation, including the FBI, DEA, and Department of Homeland Security.
- Time and location: Approximately 2:15 p.m., near Farragut Square Metro Station, Washington, D.C.
- Victims: Spc. Sarah Beckstrom (deceased) and Spc. Andrew Wolfe (critical condition)
- Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, shot at the scene and apprehended
- Investigation: Joint federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies
Background on Sarah Beckstrom
Beckstrom enlisted in the West Virginia National Guard in June 2023 and served as a military police soldier. Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force District of Columbia, described her as someone who “came to the District from West Virginia to make our nation’s capital safe and beautiful.” In his statement, Doane added, “This is a devastating loss to our National Guard family. Spc. Sarah Beckstrom came to the District from West Virginia to make our nation’s capital safe and beautiful. She is a hero and we mourn her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and with the West Virginia National Guard.”
Suspect, Motive, and Immigration Background
Authorities identified the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old immigrant who arrived in the United States in 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Prosecutors said Lakanwal had collaborated with U.S. government forces during the War in Afghanistan and later relocated to Bellingham, Washington, before traveling cross-country to Washington, D.C., in a car.
“He entered the United States under Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome, a program following the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said, placing responsibility for the suspect’s entry on the previous administration’s handling of the Afghanistan evacuation.
At this time, investigators have not publicly established a motive. The Justice Department and federal partners said they will continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses as the probe proceeds.
Federal Response and Next Steps
FBI Director Kash Patel said federal authorities have mobilized broad resources to ensure the case is thoroughly investigated. “We have assembled the full force of both the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to bring all of our resources to make sure we find the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act and make no mistake, they will be brought to justice. Since this is an assault on a federal law enforcement officer, this will be treated at the federal level,” Patel stated at a press briefing.
The multi-agency response includes forensic teams, federal prosecutors, and local detectives. Officials have requested that anyone with video or eyewitness information from the area around Farragut Square between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. come forward to assist the investigation.
Community Reaction and What Comes Next
Beckstrom’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the National Guard community and calls for answers from elected officials and the public. The West Virginia National Guard released statements mourning her loss and honoring her service.
Key next steps in the case include:
- Forensic analysis of the crime scene and any weapons recovered.
- Interviews with witnesses, other guardsmen on duty, and the suspect, consistent with legal procedures.
- Coordination between federal prosecutors and local authorities on potential charges and court proceedings.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials cautioned the public that new information will be released as it becomes available. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families and colleagues of the injured, honoring the memory of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, and pursuing a comprehensive criminal inquiry.
