Two West Virginia National Guard members were killed Wednesday afternoon in what authorities describe as a targeted, ambush-style shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House
Why It Matters
The attack has triggered an immediate federal response, including the deployment of 500 additional troops to the capital, and raises urgent questions about security for military personnel operating in public spaces. For the DMV region, the incident intensifies concerns about public safety in the city’s busiest corridors, where federal operations and daily civic life intersect
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, identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were on patrol when they 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 Victims: Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed from West Virginia to support operations in the capital. State leaders have praised their service and sacrifice.
- 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
Federal authorities are expected to release further details on the suspect’s motive as the investigation proceeds. Meanwhile, D.C. residents can expect a visible increase in military and police presence throughout downtown and federal districts in the coming days.
