Two National Guard Members Shot in Targeted Attack Near White House

Two National Guard members were critically injured in a targeted shooting on the streets of Washington, D.C., just before Thanksgiving. The incident, which took place mere blocks from the White House, has raised questions about security and the motivations behind the attack.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights the risks faced by National Guard members who are deployed to urban areas for public safety, especially as concerns over domestic security persist. The gravity of the assault, described as brazen and unprovoked, underscores the complexities of maintaining order in the nation’s capital amid rising crime rates.

Key Developments

• The shooters have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both of whom are members of the West Virginia National Guard.
• U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro reported that both were in critical condition following surgery.
• The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station, where the Guardsmen were ambushed.
• The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national.
• Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under humanitarian parole and had been approved for asylum during the Trump administration.
• The shooting is being investigated as a potential act of international terrorism.
• Evidence gathered from Lakanwal’s residence has led authorities to conduct searches and interviews across multiple states.

Full Report

Shooting Details

During a press conference, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that Beckstrom and Wolfe had only been sworn in less than a day before the shooting. The service members were approached by a lone gunman who opened fire "without provocation." Reports indicate that the assailant used a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver and continued to fire even after one Guardsman collapsed. Other members of the National Guard nearby quickly intervened, managing to subdue the attacker after one guard member shot him.

Investigative Measures

FBI Director Kash Patel provided updates on the ongoing investigation, noting Lakanwal’s previous affiliations with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Federal authorities have executed multiple search warrants across the country as they dig deeper into Lakanwal’s background. According to Patel, significant electronic evidence has been collected for analysis.

Lakanwal’s Background

Lakanwal entered the U.S. legally and is a subject of significant scrutiny as authorities look into any international connections and his potential intentions behind the attack. The investigation is comprehensive, with agencies willing to pursue leads anywhere that evidence directs them.

Context & Previous Events

Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed to Washington, D.C., following an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at combating rising crime in the capital. The incident has raised concerns about national security, particularly regarding individuals who have entered the country under humanitarian programs. This shooting is part of a broader conversation about the safety of law enforcement and military personnel in public spaces.