On November 27, 2025, Donald Trump announced that Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, has died following a shooting that took place near the White House in Washington, DC.
Beckstrom was one of two Guardsmen shot on November 26, 2025 — the other, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
What Happened — Shooting Details & Location
The shooting occurred near the Farragut West metro station, at 17th and I Streets NW, just blocks away from the White House. The attack has been described by authorities as a targeted ambush.
According to law enforcement sources, the assailant used a .357 Magnum revolver. After shooting Beckstrom, the gunman allegedly took her weapon and then fired at Wolfe. A fellow Guardsman reportedly intervened with a pocketknife, while another returned fire, subduing the suspect.
The suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the U.S. under a resettlement program. He now faces multiple charges including assault with a deadly weapon and firearm possession during a crime of violence — with prosecutors prepared to pursue first-degree murder charges should Wolfe not survive.
Reaction — Presidential Statement, Government Response, and Investigation
President Trump described the shooting as a “terror attack,” calling the suspect an “animal” who will face “the steepest possible price.” He ordered the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, DC, signaling a forceful government response.
Federal investigators — including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the United States Department of Justice — have launched a full investigation into the attack, including the suspect’s background and possible motive.
At the same time, refugee-advocacy organizations are expressing deep concern about potential backlash against Afghans and other refugee communities, warning against collective blame for one individual’s actions. AP News+1
Broader Context — National Guard Deployment & Security Debate
Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed to Washington as part of a wider National Guard mobilization ordered earlier in 2025 by President Trump — a deployment already under scrutiny by courts for legality.
The attack has intensified fierce debate around domestic troop deployments, national security, immigration policy, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties. With the investigation ongoing, the consequences — legal, political, and social — could be far-reaching.
What’s Next — Investigation, Legal Action & Public Reaction
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Authorities will determine whether the shooting qualifies as a terrorist act under U.S. law. Prosecutors are preparing potential first-degree murder charges.
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The government’s review of immigration and refugee vetting procedures is likely to accelerate, with calls for stricter screening of individuals from “countries of concern.”
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Public reaction is expected to remain intense. Many are demanding justice and enhanced security measures in and around Washington, DC; advocacy groups are pushing against collective punishment or stigmatization of refugees.
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Families of the victims, and the wider National Guard community, have received support from government leaders and civilians alike —While the country mourns the loss of a young soldier who volunteered to serve.
Conclusion
The death of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom — shot in a violent attack near the White House — has shocked the nation. As the investigation unfolds, the tragedy is amplifying debates over immigration policy, domestic troop deployment, and national security in Washington, DC. For many Americans, the incident underscores the risks faced by service members on domestic patrol — and highlights the urgent need for justice and policy reform.
