National Guard DC shooting kills Specialist Sarah Beckstrom; fellow service member fights for life as suspect, an Afghan national, is hospitalized and faces terror charge
A November 26, 2025, downtown Washington D.C. shooting killed Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe; authorities say the alleged shooter, an Afghan national, faces terrorism charges after being hospitalized.
Key takeaways
- Fatality: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom died Nov. 27 from wounds sustained in the attack; West Virginia National Guard release provides details.
- Wounded: Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition after surgery.
- Suspect: Authorities identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national admitted in 2021, who was shot at the scene and is hospitalized; federal prosecutors will bring terrorism charges.
- Location/time: The attack happened around 2:15 p.m. Nov. 26 near Farragut Square Metro Station, a few blocks from the White House.
Main report
The victim: Sarah Beckstrom’s service and life
Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard on June 26, 2023, serving as a military police soldier with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade. She volunteered for Operation DC Safe and Beautiful and had been deployed to Washington since the Guard deployment began in August 2025. For official reporting see SDPB reporting and the West Virginia National Guard news release.
President Trump told service members in a Thanksgiving Day call that Beckstrom was a “highly respected, young, magnificent person.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said Beckstrom “answered the call to serve, stepped forward willingly, and carried out her mission with the strength and character that define the very best of the West Virginia National Guard.”
The wounded service member: Andrew Wolfe
Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, of the West Virginia Air National Guard, enlisted in February 2019 and holds multiple service medals. He was on patrol with Beckstrom near the White House when the attack occurred. Both were taken to surgery; Wolfe remains hospitalized and in critical condition, according to reporting by SDPB and ABC News.
The incident: how it unfolded
Metropolitan Police Department officials say the shooter emerged from around a corner near Farragut Square and opened fire on Guard members patrolling federal areas of downtown D.C., roughly a few blocks from the White House. The attack occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 26. Nearby Guard members returned fire, striking the suspect; he was taken into custody and transported to a hospital in serious condition. See SDPB and the D.C. National Guard release for timeline details.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack as targeted, and federal authorities have said the FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.
The suspect: identity, background and travel
Investigators identified the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021 and had recently been granted asylum. Reporting indicates Lakanwal drove cross-country from his home in Washington state to carry out what prosecutors describe as a “targeted attack,” and that he used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. See SDPB reporting.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the suspect was admitted to the U.S. after prior work with U.S. government partner forces in Kandahar; that work reportedly ended after the 2021 evacuation. Lakanwal is in custody and hospitalized in serious condition following the exchange of gunfire with Guard members.
Criminal charges and the federal investigation
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced federal prosecutors will charge Lakanwal with terrorism-related offenses. Prosecutors indicated they would seek life in prison or the death penalty if either service member died; after Beckstrom’s death on Nov. 27 those enhanced penalties were signaled as possible. Attorney General Pam Bondi said investigations remain active. The FBI has taken the lead on the terrorism probe; see statements summarized by SDPB and public briefing coverage (video).
Policy response and fallout
The shooting intensified a national debate over immigration and screening. President Trump called the attack an “act of terror” and urged stricter immigration enforcement and review of admissions of Afghan nationals. In response, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a nationwide pause on immigration processing for Afghan nationals while cases are reviewed (public briefing).
The attack also spotlights the role of National Guard troops in domestic security missions. Deployments to Washington and other cities since August 2025 have been controversial; this incident has intensified debate over when and how Guard units should be used for domestic operations.
Investigative details still pending
Federal authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine motive and any co-conspirators. While officials say the attack appears targeted, detailed motive, prior planning, or links to broader networks remain under active review by the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office. See ongoing reporting and briefings: SDPB and video briefings.
Implications for California
Economic and security concerns: The shooting places renewed pressure on federal and state officials to review public-safety policies. California, home to a large Afghan-American community and many veterans, could see impacts from a pause in Afghan immigration processing affecting family reunifications and employment authorizations. Local service providers who assist newcomers may be affected (briefing).
Political consequences: For moderate conservative voters in California, the incident reinforces calls for stricter vetting while balancing support for lawful asylum processes tied to U.S. allies. California officials across the political spectrum will face constituent pressure on safety, refugee screening, and resource allocation.
Social and community impact: Communities housing Afghan evacuees and veterans may experience heightened anxiety and increased scrutiny. Service organizations and faith groups offering resettlement assistance will likely receive more questions about screening and safety. Officials’ public messaging emphasizing both accountability for violent actors and protection for lawful newcomers will be important to prevent scapegoating.
Cultural and practical effects: California’s military and Guard communities will mourn Beckstrom and watch Wolfe’s recovery. State Guard leadership may review patrol practices, training and interagency drills to protect service members while balancing civil liberties.
Sources and attribution
This article draws on reporting and official statements from multiple outlets and public briefings. Primary sources include SDPB reporting, the West Virginia National Guard news release, ABC News coverage, and public briefings and videos available online (video).
Further developments will be added as federal and local investigators release more information.
