Tragedy in D.C.: National Guard Member Killed, Another Wounded; Afghan Immigrant Charged in Shooting

Sarah Beckstrom

Tragedy in D.C.: National Guard Member Killed, Another Wounded; Afghan Immigrant Charged in Shooting

By Paul V. Young – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | November 28, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A wave of grief has swept through the nation’s capital this Thanksgiving holiday following a brazen daylight shooting near Farragut Square that left a National Guard member dead and another critically wounded.

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of West Virginia, succumbed to her injuries Thursday evening, prompting an outpouring of condolences and renewed scrutiny of immigration policies. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.

The incident, which occurred Wednesday afternoon in a bustling downtown area, has resulted in the arrest of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan immigrant, who now faces a battery of charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed. Following Beckstrom’s death, prosecutors are expected to upgrade the charges to first-degree murder.

A Nation Mourns a Fallen Guard Member

President Donald Trump, during a call with service members, mourned Beckstrom as a “highly respected, young, magnificent person” who volunteered to serve in Washington, D.C. during the holiday season. The loss has resonated deeply, eliciting expressions of sorrow and support from across the political spectrum.

West Virginia Senator Jim Justice conveyed his devastation, stating, “Our prayers are with her family, friends, and fellow guardsmen during an incredibly difficult Thanksgiving Day.” He added, “We are also lifting up Andrew Wolfe in prayer as he continues his journey to recovery.”

Details Emerge About the Shooting and the Suspect’s Capture

The two National Guard members were reportedly on a high-visibility patrol near the intersection of 17th and I streets when they were ambushed and shot at close range. Law enforcement officials responded swiftly, apprehending Lakanwal, who sustained four gunshot wounds during the arrest.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Thursday morning that Lakanwal faces three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, as well as possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Attorney General Pam Bondi has vowed to pursue the death penalty, describing Lakanwal as a “monster who should not have been in our country.”

Suspect’s Background: A Complex Connection to U.S. Forces

Lakanwal’s background has added a layer of complexity to the tragedy. He arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to offer immigration protections to Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from the region. Prior to his relocation, Lakanwal worked alongside U.S. forces at Kabul airport, providing security during the chaotic evacuation.

According to a former military commander, Lakanwal was recruited into Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force, known as Scorpion Forces. This unit, initially operating under the CIA and later the Afghan intelligence agency, was responsible for GPS tracking and other specialized tasks. The unit was evacuated to the U.S. shortly before the Taliban takeover.

FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed Lakanwal’s prior relationship with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Records indicate he applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted it earlier this year. The circumstances surrounding his asylum approval are now under intense scrutiny.

Immigration Policies Under Review

The shooting has triggered a swift response from the administration, with Joseph Edlow, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services chief, announcing a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern,” directed by the president.

While the agency did not specify all countries on the list, it referenced a White House proclamation from June that included Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela.

The review is expected to focus on the vetting processes and security protocols for individuals admitted under Operation Allies Welcome and similar programs.

National Guard Presence in D.C.

The tragedy unfolds against the backdrop of a heightened National Guard presence in Washington, D.C. Over 2,000 troops have been deployed to the city since August as part of a broader effort to address rising crime rates.

While the National Guard can be activated as military troops, their authority is limited as they cannot enforce the law or make arrests. The shooting raises questions about the effectiveness of the deployment and the safety of National Guard members serving in this capacity.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident has ignited a national conversation about immigration policies, national security, and the safety of those serving in the National Guard.