One of the two National Guard members wounded by gunfire on Wednesday in an attack attributed to an Afghan suspect just two blocks from the White House has died, US President Donald Trump announced Thursday.
Trump’s announcement from Florida
“Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia, one of the guardsmen we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person, started her service in June of 2023 and was outstanding in every way, has just left us. She’s no longer with us,” the Republican billionaire emphasised in a televised address from Florida.
The other soldier hit by bullets “is fighting for his life,” he added. “He’s in very serious condition. He’s fighting for his life, and we hope we’ll get the best news” about his progress, he said.
Background on the victims
Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, from Summersville, West Virginia, served with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade of the West Virginia Army National Guard. She began her service on 6 June 2023.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, from Martinsburg, West Virginia, entered service on 5 February 2019 and was assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard.
Both deployed to Washington in August 2025 as part of President Trump’s order to send troops to the capital for what the administration described as a crackdown on crime.
The shooting
The ambush occurred near Farragut West Metro station around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday. The lone gunman, identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire on the two guardsmen during their foot patrol.
Lakanwal, who entered the US in 2021 via the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome and received asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration, exchanged gunfire with the guardsmen before being subdued. He remains hospitalised in serious condition.
The FBI and US Attorney’s Office are treating the incident as a targeted attack, with terrorism probes ongoing. No motive has been established, but Lakanwal’s prior work with the CIA in Afghanistan as a paramilitary asset has raised questions about vetting processes.
Reactions and fallout
Trump blamed the attack on “Biden-era immigration vetting failures” and ordered a sweeping review of all Afghan asylum cases. He spoke with Beckstrom’s parents and considered attending her funeral, noting his landslide win in West Virginia.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed Beckstrom’s death, calling her a “young soldier and patriot with her entire life ahead of her.” The state declared a day of mourning.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed the death penalty if Wolfe does not survive, stating, “There WILL BE JUSTICE for Sarah.”
FBI Director Kash Patel described Beckstrom as a “young soldier and patriot” and promised no rest until justice is served.
Beckstrom volunteered for Thanksgiving duty in D.C. so others could spend the holiday with family, her high school (Webster County High School, Class of 2023) noted in a tribute, calling her a source of pride for the community.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Webster Springs plans prayer vigils Thursday through Saturday evenings.
Webster County High School expressed shock, sharing her graduation photo and praising her strength and commitment.
Broader context
The shooting has reignited debates on immigration and National Guard deployments in Democratic-led cities like Washington, D.C. A federal judge recently ruled Trump’s deployment illegal, but enforcement is suspended pending appeal.
Trump’s administration maintains the troops are essential for public safety amid rising crime.
Also read: Afghan suspect in National Guard shooting worked with US army and CIA
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