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Two National Guard soldiers ambushed near White House; one dead, one critical
Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot at close range in downtown Washington DC on Wednesday, leaving one dead and another in critical condition, officials confirmed. The suspect, identified as an Afghan national, is now in custody after what President Donald Trump called a "targeted attack."
The shooting occurred just after 14:00 EST (19:00 GMT) near Farragut Square, blocks from the White House, where the soldiers were on high-visibility patrol. Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll described the assault as an ambush, with the gunman "immediately start[ing] firing" upon approaching the corner of 17th and I streets-a busy area frequented by office workers.
The victims were identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who died on Thursday, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains in critical condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Both were uniformed guardsmen from West Virginia. Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that Beckstrom had volunteered for duty in the capital over Thanksgiving to allow others to spend the holiday with their families.
Suspect identified as Afghan national with US ties
The Department of Homeland Security named the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, described as a "criminal alien from Afghanistan." Authorities said he arrived in the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program for Afghans fleeing Taliban retribution following the US withdrawal. He was granted asylum earlier this year after applying in 2024.
Lakanwal, who lived with his wife and five children in Washington state, was shot four times during his apprehension and is not cooperating with investigators, law enforcement sources told CBS News. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Lakanwal had prior ties to US forces in Afghanistan, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated he had worked with the intelligence agency.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Lakanwal would face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed-carrying a potential 15-year sentence if convicted-and an additional charge for firearm possession during a violent crime.
Trump calls attack "act of terror," orders troop surge
President Trump, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, labeled the shooting an "act of terror" and "crime against humanity." In response, he ordered the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington DC, where roughly 2,200 soldiers are already stationed.
The troops, deployed in August to address what Trump termed "out of control" crime, operate in a limited capacity, lacking arrest or law enforcement powers. The administration credited their presence with a subsequent drop in overall crime rates in the capital.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
President Donald Trump, Thanksgiving call with service members
Broader immigration crackdown announced
Following the attack, the Trump administration suspended all immigration processing for Afghans and directed US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review green cards issued to migrants from 19 countries. Trump also vowed to "permanently pause migration" from what he referred to as "third-world countries," reviving a term historically used for developing nations.
The measures come amid heightened scrutiny of the Operation Allies Welcome program, which facilitated the entry of approximately 77,000 Afghans after the 2021 US withdrawal, according to the Congressional Research Service. Officials emphasized Lakanwal's prior cooperation with US forces in Afghanistan, though his motives remain unclear.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the weapon used or potential accomplices. The FBI and Metropolitan Police are leading the probe, with updates expected in the coming days. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser reiterated that the incident was a "targeted attack," though no additional threats have been identified.
