An Afghan national is facing accusations of shooting two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House, sparking concerns about terrorism in a time of heightened military presence in the nation’s capital. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
During a news briefing, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro identified the injured guard members as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, who are in critical condition after the shooting on Wednesday afternoon.
Amid conflicting reports about the guards’ conditions, Governor Patrick Morrisey and Attorney General Pam Bondi have been monitoring the situation closely. Bondi indicated that charges against the suspect would depend on the guards’ prognosis, vowing to pursue the death penalty if necessary.
The shooting, a rare occurrence involving National Guard members on American soil, comes amidst debates over the use of military forces to combat rising crime rates. In response, the Trump administration has deployed additional National Guard members to Washington following the incident.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program. This evacuation initiative, aimed at resettling Afghan refugees, has come under scrutiny for its vetting process and speed of admissions.
Prior to his arrival in the U.S., Lakanwal worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan, including the CIA, before the chaotic evacuation from the country. President Trump has called for a reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with D.C. police chief Jeffery Carroll describing it as a targeted attack. Witnesses described a chaotic scene near the White House as troops and first responders dealt with the aftermath of the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the National Guard Bureau Chief and other officials have expressed solidarity with the wounded guard members and emphasized the importance of their service to the country.