Washington, D.C. (trfnews.i234.me) — A National Guard soldier has died after a shooting near the White House. The attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon, only blocks from the Executive Mansion.
President Donald Trump confirmed the death during a Thanksgiving call with U.S. troops. He identified the victim as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of West Virginia. A second soldier, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized.
Trump called Beckstrom an “incredible person” and said her parents were with her. He referred to the shooting as a “terrorist attack.”
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was arrested at the scene. Officials say he previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit known as the Zero Units. He entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome.
Sources told the Associated Press that Lakanwal worked as a team leader in the Afghan unit. He later relocated to Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the attack was “ambush-style” and involved a .357 revolver. She announced the following charges:
- Assault with intent to kill while armed
- Possession of a firearm during a violent crime
Pirro said the charges could be upgraded to murder if Wolfe does not survive.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as a potential terrorist act. He described the case as a “coast-to-coast investigation” with several search warrants already issued.
The attack occurred as more than 2,000 National Guard members continue patrol duties in Washington, D.C. The presence of troops has been controversial among city officials. The Trump administration soon ordered 500 additional Guard members to the capital.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the shooting “an attack on America.” A federal judge recently ordered the Guard deployment to end, though the ruling is paused for 21 days to allow for appeal.
Beckstrom was from Webster Springs, West Virginia. A local veterans group has scheduled three prayer vigils, according to the Webster County Veterans Auxiliary.
More details on federal court procedures can be found at the U.S. Courts website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.