Two West Virginia National Guard members were ambushed in downtown Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House near Farragut Square. Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard died from her injuries, and a second Guardsman remains in critical condition after the shooting on Wednesday, November 27, 2025. The suspect, described as an Afghan national, was captured at the scene as investigators probe the motive behind the attack.
Authorities describe the incident as a targeted ambush, with the FBI leading the investigation into possible motives. Officials have not ruled out ties to terrorism, and investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining the shooter’s background.
President Donald Trump publicly commented on the event, confirming Beckstrom’s death and characterizing the shooting as a terrorist attack. He called for scrutiny of security policies and pledged continued attention to security around national facilities.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials expect to release updates as more information becomes available. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns in the nation’s capital, particularly around high-profile government targets.
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