Tragic Loss of National Guard Member in Washington D.C. Shooting

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:50:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A shooting incident in Washington D.C. has resulted in the death of Sarah Beckstrom, a young National Guard member, while another soldier remains hospitalized. The incident raises concerns about safety and security for military personnel in urban environments.

In a tragic event occurring in Washington D.C., Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the National Guard, has died from injuries sustained during a shooting. Another soldier, Andrew Wolfe, is currently fighting for his life. The shooting took place near Farragut Square, prompting quick responses from law enforcement who apprehended the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is facing multiple charges. Both soldiers were part of a deployment aimed at addressing urban crime, and Beckstrom had volunteered to work during the Thanksgiving holiday.

In a tragic event that has shaken the community, Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old National Guard member, died from gunshot wounds sustained during a shooting in Washington D.C. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Farragut Square, where Beckstrom and another National Guard member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, were patrolling.

President Trump announced Beckstrom's death on Thursday during a call with service members, describing her as a ‘magnificent person’ who had enlisted just a few months earlier. The second member, Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized and is reportedly fighting for his life.

The shooting took place shortly after 2:00 PM EST, and law enforcement swiftly apprehended the suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Lakanwal, a 29-year-old from Afghanistan, is facing serious charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed the intention to pursue the death penalty against Lakanwal, whom she described as a 'monster who should not have been in our country.'

Both Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of a National Guard deployment aimed at addressing rising urban crime rates since August and were on high-visibility patrols when the incident occurred. Beckstrom had volunteered to serve in the nation's capital during the Thanksgiving holiday, demonstrating her dedication to duty.

Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia expressed his devastation at the loss, offering prayers for both Beckstrom's family and for Wolfe's recovery. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by service members, even while they are on domestic soil protecting their communities.