Washington, D.C. National Guard Shooting: What We Know So Far

Washington DC National Guard Shooting: What We Know So Far (2025)

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were ambushed near the White House on November 26, 2025. One died, the other was wounded. The suspect — a 29-year-old Afghan national — is in custody; motive remains unclear

On the afternoon of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, two members of the West Virginia National Guard — newly sworn in — were shot in what officials describe as an “ambush-style” attack just two blocks northwest of the White House in Washington, D.C.

The victims were identified as Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, and Andrew Wolfe, age 24. Beckstrom died from her injuries the following day. Wolfe was also wounded and remains hospitalised.

Authorities have named the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29 — an Afghan national who reportedly lived in Bellingham, Washington. According to investigators, Lakanwal drove across the country before carrying out the attack.

The attack reportedly unfolded around 2:15 p.m. local time near the transit hub at Farragut West Metro Station. Video and witness accounts suggest that the suspect emerged from around a corner and opened fire without warning, targeting the two Guard members. Other National Guard personnel and law enforcement quickly responded — one guard member returned fire, and the assailant was shot and taken into custody. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

At this point, officials have not revealed a motive. The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors have charged Lakanwal with assault with intent to kill while armed, plus unlawful possession of a firearm. If further evidence supports it — such as a conclusion that the attack was premeditated — charges could be upgraded to first-degree murder.

The suspect’s background has drawn intense scrutiny. Lakanwal is believed to have previously worked with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during U.S. operations in Afghanistan, as part of a CIA–supported paramilitary unit known in press reports as a “partner force.” He reportedly came to the United States under the evacuation and resettlement programme launched after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In response to the shooting, the administration has deployed an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington as security was ramped up in the capital; at the time of the attack, roughly 2,200 Guard members were already stationed there under a broader federal mission.