A tragic update has shaken the nation. One of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday has died. President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday evening that U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom passed away from her injuries.
Speaking during Thanksgiving calls to service members, Trump described Beckstrom as a highly respected and magnificent young person. He said the news had come only moments earlier and expressed deep sympathy for her family. The president said the country is mourning her loss.
The second soldier, 24 year old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. Both were shot around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station in an attack authorities say was planned and targeted.
Authorities describe ambush-style attack
Federal officials are now providing more details about the shooting. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect, identified as 29 year old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, drove from Washington state to the District to carry out the attack. She said the suspect allegedly opened fire using a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver.
Pirro described the shooting as a deliberate ambush. Other National Guard members were able to subdue the suspect after one returned fire. The FBI now considers the case an ongoing terrorism investigation. Updates from federal agencies are expected through official sources including the U.S. Department of Justice.
Suspect’s background under review
Officials say Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 and was granted asylum in 2024. He previously worked with the United States government in Afghanistan as part of allied partner forces operating in Kandahar. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed those details in a statement.
Federal investigators searched the suspect’s home in Bellingham, Washington and conducted interviews in San Diego. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is examining contacts overseas and in the United States. The FBI continues to release verified updates through FBI.gov.
Reaction from leaders and the public
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey visited both soldiers in the hospital before Beckstrom’s death. He said the state is devastated and asked the public to pray for their families. He also met with the president to discuss the expanding investigation.
Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II of the D.C. National Guard became emotional while speaking publicly about the impact of the shooting. He said the families of both soldiers are enduring unimaginable pain during what should be a time of celebration and gratitude.
Security response grows in Washington
Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington following the shooting. More than 2,000 are already deployed under the federal security plan. The president said earlier this week that the National Guard has been key to improving public safety in the city.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Officials say the answers could take time as agencies continue interviews, review digital evidence, and examine the suspect’s history.
For now, the nation is remembering Specialist Sarah Beckstrom while hoping Andrew Wolfe survives.
Federal officials say more updates will be released as soon as they are verified.