Tragic Shooting in Washington DC Claims Life of National Guard Member

Fri Dec 05 2025 10:11:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a shocking incident, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom lost her life after being shot while serving in the National Guard. A second member, Andrew Wolfe, is currently hospitalized. The suspect is in custody and facing murder charges.

A National Guard member named Sarah Beckstrom was killed in a shooting incident in Washington DC, while fellow guardsman Andrew Wolfe is in critical condition. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been arrested and will face upgraded charges following the attack. The shooting highlights ongoing national security concerns.

Tragedy struck as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the National Guard, succumbed to injuries sustained from a shooting in Washington DC on Wednesday. President Donald Trump confirmed her death on a Thanksgiving call with military personnel, expressing his condolences for the loss of such a promising young life.

Both Beckstrom and her fellow guardsman Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, were attacked in a close-range shooting near Farragut Square shortly after 2 PM EST. While Beckstrom did not survive, Wolfe is reportedly fighting for his life. The incident has stirred considerable outrage, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures.

The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been arrested. Initial charges against him were for assault but are set to be upgraded to first-degree murder as officials consider the shooting a premeditated ambush. According to Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News contributor, this attack was not a random act of violence; it was a deliberate assault on unarmed military personnel.

As the investigation unfolds, the Trump administration has begun reevaluating immigration protocols, particularly concerning individuals from Afghanistan and other nations perceived as risks, following Lakanwal's specific background. Lakanwal allegedly assisted U.S. military operations in Afghanistan prior to migrating to the United States and was granted asylum under special protections.

Senator Jim Justice from West Virginia expressed his profound grief over Beckstrom's passing, highlighting the need for prayers for her family and friends, as well as for Wolfe's recovery. Beckstrom had recently enlisted and volunteered to serve during the Thanksgiving holiday, showcasing her commitment to duty.

This tragic event underscores not only the risks faced by military personnel but also prompts renewed discussions about national security in the wake of incidents targeting service members. More than 2,000 troops have been activated across the U.S. to address rising crime in key cities, an effort initially led by the Trump administration.