Who is Sarah Beckstrom? National Guard Member Dies After Washington DC Shooting

A young National Guard member, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, has died after she was shot during a violent attack in downtown Washington DC on Wednesday afternoon. The news was confirmed by President Donald Trump during a Thanksgiving call with US service members.

Young Guardswoman Succumbs to Injuries

Beckstrom was critically injured after being shot at close range near Farragut Square just after 2:00 p.m. EST. She was taken to the hospital but did not survive.
President Trump described her as a “highly respected, young, magnificent person” while speaking to the troops.

A White House official later confirmed that he also talked to her parents to offer condolences.

Who is Andrew Wolfe? Second Soldier Fighting for Life

Another National Guard member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, was also shot during the attack and remains in critical condition. Officials said he is “fighting for his life” as doctors continue treatment.

Both guards were on a high-visibility patrol near the corner of 17th and I Streets, an area that stays busy during lunchtime.

Suspect Identified as Afghan National

Police arrested the suspected gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, soon after the attack.
He was shot four times while being taken into custody.

Lakanwal came to the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a programme created during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had previously worked with US partner forces and CIA-linked units in Afghanistan. Officials say he acted alone.

He is facing multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill, and may also face first-degree murder, according to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

Who is Sarah Beckstrom? Service Record and Background

Sarah Beckstrom enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard on 26 June 2023. She served in the 863rd Military Police Company, part of the 111th Engineer Brigade.

She had volunteered to support Washington DC security operations during the Thanksgiving holiday.

West Virginia Senator Jim Justice said he was “heartbroken” and called her death a tragic loss for the state and the nation.

National Guard Deployment in Washington

More than 2,000 troops have been deployed across Washington DC since August in response to rising crime concerns. National Guard troops support federal agencies but cannot make arrests.

Because the shooting happened so close to the White House, several law enforcement teams reached the scene within moments.

Lakanwal’s History With US Forces

Reports show Lakanwal once worked as a GPS tracker specialist with the Kandahar Strike Force, also known as Scorpion Forces, a unit that operated under CIA direction before shifting to Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security.

He later protected US forces at Kabul airport in 2021 during the chaotic evacuation before being transported to the United States.

Officials confirmed he applied for asylum in 2024, which was approved earlier this year.

Immigration Review Ordered

After the attack, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a full review of Green Cards issued to nationals from “countries of concern.” This list includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela.