Washington DC National Guard Shooting: What Happened and Who Was Involved

Two National Guard members were shot in central Washington, D.C., near the White House. One was killed, and the other remains in critical condition as investigators work to determine a motive. The attack prompted a swift security response in the nation's capital.

What happened near the White House

Around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot at close range near Farragut Square in downtown Washington. They were conducting a high-visibility patrol near 17th Street and I Street, an area crowded with workers at lunch. Police described the attack as an ambush and said the gunman targeted the guardsmen. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the incident was a targeted assault, and security forces quickly detained the suspect.

Victims

The guardsmen have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. Beckstrom died on Thursday; Wolfe remains in critical condition after multiple gunshot wounds. Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that Beckstrom volunteered to work in the capital over Thanksgiving to help others spend time with their families.

The suspect

The Department of Homeland Security has named the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national described as not cooperating with authorities. He was shot four times during his arrest and is in custody. He had lived with his wife and five children in the state of Washington.

How he came to the United States

Lakanwal arrived in September 2021 under a program for Afghan nationals known as Operation Allies Welcome, created after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The program provided special protections for those who helped U.S. forces. Roughly 77,000 Afghans entered the United States under this program in the first year after the withdrawal.

Authorities say Lakanwal had ties to U.S. forces in Afghanistan and later sought asylum. He applied in 2024 and was granted asylum earlier this year.

Possible charges

U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro said initial charges of assault with intent to kill while armed would be upgraded to first-degree murder as the investigation continues. Earlier reports mentioned counts of assault and firearms charges. Prosecutors described the act as premeditated.

Government response

President Trump spoke from Mar-a-Lago, calling the attack a terrorist act and announcing plans to deploy 500 more National Guard troops to Washington, raising total deployments to about 2,700. Guardsmen are civilians in uniform who assist in support roles and do not have arrest powers.

The administration has signaled stricter migration measures, including actions on Afghan asylum cases and a review of green cards issued to Afghans. USCIS later said asylum decisions would pause while vetting processes are tightened.

Expert commentary

Expert opinion: A security analyst notes that the incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities around high-profile government sites and underscores the need for rapid, coordinated response plans.

Summary

The Washington, D.C. shooting near the White House left one guard dead and another seriously wounded. The suspect is in custody and faces murder charges as authorities widen the investigation and consider immigration-related measures.

Key insight: The attack underscores the importance of swift law enforcement response and enhanced security around the capital. Source: BBC News

Key takeaway: Ongoing investigations will shape security policies and immigration controls in the near term.