Two National Guard Members Fatally Shot Near White House; Authorities Identify Suspect
A tragic incident occurred in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were shot near the White House, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
Authorities say the suspect, who previously worked with a U.S.-supported security unit in Afghanistan and later moved to the United States in 2021, traveled from Washington state to the nation’s capital before the shooting took place. Officials confirmed he had been part of a CIA-backed Afghan Army force before immigrating, according to a relative who requested anonymity due to safety concerns.
During a press briefing, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro identified the injured service members as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both remain in critical condition at a local hospital. Pirro noted that investigators have not yet determined a motive for the attack.
According to officials, the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly carried out an ambush-style shooting using a .357 revolver. He currently faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. Authorities stated that the charges may be upgraded depending on the victims’ conditions.
The event, occurring just one day before Thanksgiving, comes amid ongoing discussions about the role of National Guard deployments in major U.S. cities. In response, the administration authorized the deployment of additional guard personnel to Washington.
Officials reported that the suspect was also injured during the incident but is expected to survive. A law enforcement source, speaking anonymously, said his wounds were not life-threatening.
A relative in Afghanistan said both the suspect and his brother had served in a special Afghan unit before relocating to the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program that resettled tens of thousands of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the war. The relative added that Lakanwal had worked in various roles within the unit, including team leadership and GPS operations.
Officials confirmed that Lakanwal, 29, had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and children prior to the incident. His former landlord said he had moved there shortly after arriving in the U.S.
According to a statement from former intelligence director John Ratcliffe, the suspect’s work with U.S. agencies ended soon after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The broader resettlement program has since faced scrutiny over its vetting procedures, though supporters argue it offered vital protection to individuals at risk.
Following the shooting, federal and local officials launched a large-scale investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel said the case is being treated as a potential act of terrorism, with search warrants executed across multiple locations.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack as an assault on the nation, emphasizing that the individual responsible will face full legal consequences. The shooting occurred near a metro station just blocks from the White House, where nearby troops responded quickly and subdued the gunman.
Law enforcement officials stated that no additional suspects have been identified at this time. One of the guard members is believed to have exchanged gunfire with the attacker during the incident.
Videos shared on social media showed first responders providing emergency care to the wounded service members shortly after the shooting.
