A shocking shooting near the White House on November 26, 2025, claimed the life of 20-year-old Guardswoman Sarah Beckstrom and left 24-year-old staff sergeant Andrew Wolfe fighting for his life. The attack took place near Farragut Square, as the two members of the West Virginia National Guard patrolled the nation’s capital under a federal deployment order. The suspected attacker, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was arrested at the scene.
Attack Details: Ambush Near the Capital
Around 2:15 p.m., as Guardsmen patrolled the downtown area near a metro station close to the White House, a lone gunman opened fire. Reports describe the shooting as an “ambush-style” attack: the gunman targeted Beckstrom first, then fired at Wolfe. Both were struck — Beckstrom fatally, and Wolfe critically. Authorities say the assailant then attempted additional shots before being subdued by return fire.
The attacker carried a .357 Magnum revolver, and 10-15 shots are believed to have been fired. Another servicemember reportedly returned fire, wounding the suspect. He was taken into custody and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Victims: Young Soldiers on Duty
- Sarah Beckstrom: A 20-year-old Army National Guard specialist from West Virginia, Beckstrom had enlisted in mid-2023 and volunteered for the D.C. deployment. She was described by officials as dedicated and conscientious. Many say she had hoped for a future career in law enforcement.
- Andrew Wolfe: A 24-year-old Air National Guard staff sergeant, Wolfe had served since 2019. He had been on active duty in the capital along with hundreds of other troops deployed under the federal crime-reduction mission. As of now, he remains hospitalized in critical condition, undergoing treatment.
Both had started their duty rotation in Washington, D.C. in August 2025, when federal authorities mobilized National Guard units to assist local law enforcement.
Suspect, Motive & Aftermath
The suspect has been named as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under a resettlement program. He reportedly had prior paramilitary training from Afghan units that worked with U.S.-backed forces.
Officials are treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism. Lakanwal faces charges including assault with intent to kill and may face first-degree murder charges depending on the final outcome. The incident has triggered a major federal investigation.
In the immediate aftermath, authorities also announced the deployment of additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. The attack has reignited public debate over the use of military forces in domestic security roles and the vetting of asylum-seekers with past military or paramilitary backgrounds.
