In a brazen daylight assault, two National Guard members were critically wounded in a targeted shooting just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon. The attack occurred at approximately 2:00 PM EST near Farragut Square at the intersection of 17th and I Streets, a bustling downtown Washington DC area frequented by office workers during lunch hours.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll characterized the incident as an ambush, stating the suspect emerged from around a corner and immediately opened fire at close range. The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe from the West Virginia National Guard, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remain in critical condition following surgery.
The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was apprehended at the scene after being shot four times during his capture. Law enforcement officials confirmed he is not cooperating with authorities. Investigation reveals Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program established during the Biden administration following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
According to official statements, Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. forces and intelligence agencies in Afghanistan. He had been granted asylum earlier this year after applying in 2024. The suspect resided in Washington state with his wife and five children.
President Donald Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida during the incident, condemned the attack as ‘an act of terror’ and ‘a crime against humanity.’ In response, the president announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to the capital and suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans. Trump further called for a comprehensive re-examination of all Afghan immigrants who entered the country during the Biden administration.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Lakanwal will face three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a potential 15-year sentence, plus firearm charges related to crimes of violence. The current National Guard presence in Washington DC numbers nearly 2,200 troops, who serve in a limited capacity as they lack law enforcement authority.
Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the tragedy of the situation, noting that Beckstrom had volunteered for holiday duty so others could be with their families. Both soldiers now fight for their lives as their families maintain vigil at hospital rooms.