National Guard Sarah Beckstrom Dies after D.C. shootings
28th Nov. 2025
One of the two National Guard members shot in Washington DC has died, President Donald Trump has announced. Immediately after the announcement, the news intensified nationwide concern over security in the Washington DC. Trump confirmed that 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom died of her injuries on Thursday evening, while 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe is still in critical condition and “is fighting for his life”. The attack took place near Farragut Square shortly after 14:00 EST (00:30 IST), just blocks from the White House.
Updates on the National Guardsmen Shooting
Shortly after the incident, Police confirmed that they arrested 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, minutes after the shooting. They also revealed that he fired at both soldiers from close range before being wounded during his arrest.
Meanwhile, President Trump confirmed Ms Beckstrom’s death during a Thanksgiving call with US service members. He said, “She was highly respected, young, and magnificent person… She just passed away. She’s no longer with us.” Later a White House official confirmed to CBS news, that Trump later spoke with her parents.
Who was Sarah Beckstrom?
Ms Beckstrom enlisted in June 2023 and served with the 863rd Military Police Company, part of the West Virginia Army National Guard. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, “She also had volunteered to support operations in Washington over the Thanksgiving holiday.”
In response, West Virginia Senator Jim Justice expressed his “absolutely devastated” feelings and asked for support for both families during what he described as an “unimaginably painful Thanksgiving”. He also requested citizens to remember Mr Wolfe in their prayers while he undergoes treatment.
Additionally, the two soldiers (Ms. Beckstrom and Mr. Wolfe) were on a high-visibility patrol in an area filled with office workers. Since August, more than 2,000 troops have been stationed throughout the district after President Trump ordered an increased federal presence to combat what he described as “out of control” crime.
New Update: Rahmanullah Lakanwal had relation with CIA in Afghanistan
In a new development, Officials revealed that “Lakanwal” entered the US in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome. It was a programme that provided temporary security to Afghans who supported American forces during the withdrawal from Kabul. Former commanders told the BBC’s Afghan Service that he was a member of Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force, which was once tied to the CIA before becoming part of Afghanistan’s intelligence system.
FBI Director Kash Patel told to press, “He had a relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces” before coming to the US. Rahmanullah Lakanwal also applied for asylum in 2024, and his request was approved earlier this year, as per CBS News. In a separate statement, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that he faces three charges of assault with intent to kill and a weapons charge.
However, authorities will pursue first-degree murder if Mr Wolfe does not survive. Attorney General Bondi has announced that her office will seek the death sentence. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow added that President Trump has ordered a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination” of every green card holder from several “countries of concern.” The list of countries starts with Afghanistan, including Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela.
Web Resources on death of Sarah Beckstrom
1. Reuters.com: National Guard member dies as ambush in US capital becomes political flashpoint
2. BBC.com: National Guard member dies after shooting in Washington DC
3. TheGuardian.com: National guard member Sarah Beckstrom has died after shooting in Washington DC, Trump announces
4. AcademicBlock.com: US stops Afghan Immigration Request