National Guard Soldier Dies After Shooting Near White House; Afghan Citizen in Custody – Urgent Updates
A somber day in Washington D.C. as news broke that 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, has died from injuries sustained in a shooting on Wednesday. Another Guard member, Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, has sparked a national conversation about security, immigration, and the vetting process for those resettled in the United States. This is a developing story, and we’re committed to bringing you the latest information as it unfolds. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure you receive immediate updates.
What We Know About the Attack
Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan citizen. According to law enforcement officials, Lakanwal drove across the country to allegedly launch an “ambush-type” attack on the two National Guard members near the White House. Video evidence shows the suspect immediately opening fire upon approaching the troops with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. At least one Guard member returned fire, and Lakanwal was subsequently subdued and taken into custody. His injuries are not life-threatening.
The shooting occurred while the West Virginia National Guard members were stationed in D.C. as part of a crime-fighting mission authorized by President Trump, which involved a controversial assumption of some responsibilities typically handled by local police. Both Beckstrom and Wolfe had been deployed to the capital since August.
The Suspect’s Journey to the United States
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Welcome Allies, a program initiated by the Biden administration to evacuate and resettle Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He applied for asylum and was ultimately approved during the Trump administration, according to AfghanEvac, an organization assisting Afghan refugees. The program has resettled approximately 76,000 individuals who had worked alongside U.S. forces, often as interpreters and translators.
However, Lakanwal’s history extends further. John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, revealed that Lakanwal previously worked with the American government, including the CIA, as part of a special unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This relationship “ended shortly after the chaotic evacuation.” The details of his work remain classified, but his prior association with U.S. intelligence adds a complex layer to the investigation.
Political Fallout and Calls for Investigation
The shooting has quickly become a political flashpoint. President Trump immediately labeled the incident a “terrorist attack” and criticized the Biden administration’s vetting procedures for Afghan refugees. Attorney General Pam Bondi even called for the death penalty, stating, “There will be justice for Sarah.” Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia initially reported both soldiers had died, a statement he later corrected, highlighting the confusion surrounding the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
The debate surrounding Operation Welcome Allies is intensifying. Republicans argue the program lacks sufficient safeguards, while advocates maintain it provided a crucial lifeline to those at risk from the Taliban. The incident is certain to fuel further scrutiny of the program and its vetting processes.
The Zero Units: A Shadowy Past
Adding another layer of complexity, reports indicate Lakanwal served in Afghanistan’s “Zero Units,” paramilitary groups backed by the CIA. These units, while instrumental in providing security during the U.S. withdrawal, have been accused of human rights abuses. A cousin of Lakanwal, speaking from Afghanistan, confirmed his role as a team leader within the unit, highlighting a potentially significant aspect of his background.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Security Measures
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have stated it is too early to determine a definitive motive. Jeanine Pirro, a federal prosecutor, indicated the suspect currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a violent crime, which could be upgraded to first-degree murder if Staff Sergeant Wolfe does not recover. In response to the shooting, President Trump has announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., though the source of these troops remains unclear.
The tragic loss of Sarah Beckstrom and the critical condition of Andrew Wolfe serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those serving in the National Guard. This incident will undoubtedly lead to a reevaluation of security protocols and a renewed focus on the vetting of individuals resettled in the United States. For the latest updates on this breaking news story, and for in-depth analysis of national security issues, continue to check back with Archyde.com. We are dedicated to providing timely and accurate reporting, optimized for Google News and your understanding.
