Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot on Wednesday afternoon in what authorities describe as a targeted, ambush-style shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House
Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, from the West Virginia National Guard died Thursday after an “ambush-style” shooting near the White House. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition
Why It Matters
Beckstrom’s death has prompted first-degree murder charges against the suspect and deployment of 500 additional troops to the capital. For the DMV region, the incident disrupts public safety at key transit hubs where commuters and federal personnel overlap daily
The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station, a bustling transit hub used by thousands of commuters daily. The victims were approached and shot by a lone gunman. The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021, was wounded by return fire and is currently in custody.
The Details
- The Attack: Officials report the gunman rounded a corner and immediately opened fire, striking both soldiers in the head before being subdued.
- The Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021, faces first-degree murder charges, per U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. He was wounded by return fire
- The Victims: Beckstrom died from head wounds at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Wolfe underwent surgery and fights for his life. Both were deployed from West Virginia to support D.C. operations. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey called them “heroes serving far from home”
- The Response: President Trump condemned the act as “monstrous” and directed the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to bolster security in the District. As of Wednesday evening, a motive was not yet publicly known… the person responsible would “be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said on X
- The Investigation: The FBI and DHS are leading the inquiry, treating the shooting as a national security matter while investigating the suspect’s background and potential motives.
What’s Next
Lakanwal’s arraignment is scheduled soon as FBI/DHS probe motive. Expect sustained National Guard presence in downtown D.C., including near Farragut West Metro, through at least next week
Meanwhile, D.C. residents can expect a visible increase in military and police presence throughout downtown and federal districts in the coming days.
Correction (Nov. 28, 2025): This story has been updated to reflect Spc. Beckstrom’s confirmed death and Staff Sgt. Wolfe’s critical condition. An earlier version inaccurately reported both as deceased
