Tragic Attack on National Guardsmen Near White House: A Closer Look

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:20:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shooting incident near the White House leaves one National Guardsman dead and another in critical condition, reshaping security measures in Washington D.C.

On Wednesday, two members of the National Guard were ambushed near Farragut Square in Washington D.C., leading to one death and another critical injury. The assailant, identified as an Afghan national, is facing multiple charges as President Trump announces additional troop deployments for security. This incident raises questions about security and the vetting of immigrants from conflict zones.

On Wednesday, two members of the National Guard were shot and seriously wounded just blocks from the White House in Washington D.C. The tragic incident unfolded in broad daylight during a high-visibility patrol, ultimately leading to the death of one Guardsman, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, while another, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.

President Donald Trump announced that the suspect, an Afghan national identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is in custody. Following the attack, Trump ordered an additional deployment of 500 National Guardsmen to ensure safety in the capital.

The shooting occurred at approximately 14:00 EST near Farragut Square, a location bustling with office workers during lunchtime. Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll described the ambush as both sudden and targeted, confirming that the soldiers were shot at close range. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that this was a deliberate attack on the Guardsmen.

Details surrounding the assailant paint a concerning picture. Lakanwal, 29, reportedly emigrated to the U.S. in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, initiated during the Biden administration to assist Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal. While he had previously cooperated with U.S. forces, officials have stated he is currently non-cooperative while in custody.

In Trump’s response to the shooting, he categorized the act as ‘terror,’ condemning the attacker and emphasizing the need for stringent checks on immigrants from Afghanistan. In light of the ongoing concerns about crime and safety in the capital, Trump is halting processing immigration requests for Afghans.

The victims, both members of the West Virginia National Guard, had volunteered for duty over the Thanksgiving holiday, demonstrating their commitment to service. Beckstrom’s untimely death and Wolfe’s ongoing fight for survival have sparked a national conversation surrounding the safety and security of service members in urban settings.

As investigations continue and charges are filed against Lakanwal, this incident serves as a cautionary tale regarding the challenges and complexities of national security amidst evolving immigration policies.