Two members of the West Virginia National Guard remain in critical condition following what federal authorities describe as a targeted ambush attack near the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro identified the wounded service members as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. In a detail that underscores the tragedy, both had been sworn into service less than 24 hours before the attack occurred.
The shooting took place at approximately 2:15 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro station. According to Pirro, the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly traveled cross-country from Washington state with the apparent intent to target National Guard members. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, opened fire on the guardsmen with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in what authorities characterize as an ambush.
“One guardsman is struck, goes down, and then the shooter leans over and strikes the guardsman again. Another guardsman is struck several times,” Pirro stated during Thursday’s news conference.
Fellow National Guard members responded swiftly to the attack. The suspect was shot by a guard member and subsequently subdued with assistance from other personnel on scene.
Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II, commander of the D.C. National Guard, spoke with visible emotion about the ordeal facing the families of Beckstrom and Wolfe during what should have been a time of Thanksgiving celebration.
“Regardless of the outcome, we know that their lives, their family lot, their families, lives are all changed forever because one person decided to do this horrific and evil thing,” Blanchard said.
The suspect faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to harm and criminal possession of a weapon. Pirro noted these charges may be modified depending on the condition of the wounded guard members.
The investigation has taken on national security dimensions. FBI Director Kash Patel described the probe as an ongoing investigation of terrorism. Federal investigators have searched the suspect’s residence in Bellingham, Washington, and conducted interviews with tenants. Additional interviews are being conducted in San Diego, though Patel declined to elaborate on those details.
Significantly, Patel revealed that the FBI received confirmation from both the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency that the suspect had worked with partner forces in Afghanistan.
“We are fully investigating that aspect of his background as well, to include any known associates that are either overseas or here in the United States of America,” Patel stated.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Lakanwal, who has a wife and five children, arrived in the United States in 2021 during the Biden administration. Law enforcement sources indicate he applied for asylum in 2024 and received that status in April of this year under the Trump administration. He had previously worked with United States government agencies, including the CIA, as a member of a partner force.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation. As the probe continues, the nation’s attention turns to the recovery of two young Americans who answered the call to serve their country.
Related: Trump Administration Secures 44 Percent Reduction in Medicare Drug Prices
