Father of National Guard member shot in DC describes her injury as 'mortal wound'

The father of 20-year-old National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom reported that she sustained a fatal injury in a shooting incident near the White House the day before Thanksgiving. Beckstrom and 24-year-old National Guard member Andrew Wolfe were shot close to the Farragut Square Metro Station, around the intersection of 17th and I Streets NW, at approximately 2:15 p.m., according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, stated that both victims were still in surgery as of Thursday morning. I am holding her hand right now, said Gary Beckstrom. She has a mortal wound. Recovery is not possible.

The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan before the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. He relocated to the United States under a program initiated by the Biden administration for Afghan refugees who assisted U.S. forces during the two-decade conflict.

Lakanwal faces three charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, and one count of firearm possession during a violent crime. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. However, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated the charges could increase if either victim succumbs to their injuries, and Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty.

Sarah Beckstrom, a U.S. Army specialist, joined the military on June 26, 2023, and was part of the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade of the West Virginia Army National Guard. Andrew Wolfe enlisted on February 5, 2019, and served with the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard.

In response to the shooting, President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that 500 additional National Guard members would be deployed to Washington, D.C. Previously, a federal judge had blocked such deployments, but the decision was postponed until December 11 pending appeals from the Trump administration.

Author's Analysis: Fatal Shooting Near White House Raises Security Questions

The tragic shooting near Farragut Square, which claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom, underscores serious security challenges in the heart of the nation's capital. The involvement of a former CIA contractor, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. under a refugee program for Afghan allies, adds complexity to the case.

Both victims, including 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, were serving in the National Guard at the time. Their service and sacrifices highlight the risks faced by military personnel even in domestic assignments. Prosecutors have indicated that charges could escalate to include the death penalty, reflecting the severity of the attack.

The federal response, including President Trump's and Defense Secretary Hegseth's decision to deploy 500 additional National Guard members, signals a heightened focus on protecting key areas in Washington, D.C., especially in the lead-up to the holiday season. The ongoing legal proceedings will likely influence both security policies and discussions surrounding refugee vetting programs.

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• Father of National Guard member shot in DC says ‘she has a mortal wound’