Two National Guardsmen in critical condition after a shooting in Washington, DC have been officially identified. Donald Trump labeled the incident as an “act of terror”. The alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, has been named. Following Trump’s statement, US Citizenship and Immigration Services halted processing immigration cases linked to Afghan immigrants “indefinitely pending further review.”
The West Virginia National Guard provided more details about the two injured Guard members. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, started her service on June 26, 2023, and was part of the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, joined on February 5, 2019, and was assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard. Both had been deployed in Washington, DC, since August.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed intentions to seek the death penalty for the alleged shooter. Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for justice. Both Wolfe and Beckstrom are currently hospitalized in critical condition. The fate of the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also wounded during the incident, is pending based on the victims’ prognosis.
The ongoing investigation revealed that Lakanwal, who drove from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack, was admitted to the US under Operation Allies Welcome. He was granted asylum in April. Lakanwal’s ties to US forces in Afghanistan have been acknowledged by FBI Director Kash Patel and the CIA director. The suspect’s actions have stirred condemnation from various officials, emphasizing the need for swift justice and recovery for the injured Guardsmen.
Law enforcement’s focus remains on understanding the motive behind the attack and ensuring the safety and security of all involved. The incident has reignited discussions about the presence of the National Guard in Washington, DC, and the measures needed to prevent such tragic events in the future. The community and officials are united in prayers for the recovery of the injured Guardsmen and their families.
