Trump says second National Guard member shot in D.C. is "fighting for his life"

One of the two West Virginia National Guard personnel injured in a Wednesday shooting in Washington, D.C., described as an ambush, remains in critical condition, while the other has tragically passed away, President Trump announced Thursday.

The deceased, 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, succumbed to her injuries at MedStar Washington Hospital, the West Virginia National Guard confirmed. President Trump praised Beckstrom as "highly respected, a young, outstanding person who began her service in June 2023."

Earlier Thursday, U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro reported that the second victim, 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, is in critical condition following surgery. President Trump stated that Wolfe is "fighting for his life" and added hope for his recovery.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is also in serious condition, according to Trump. Both Guard members had been sworn into duty less than 24 hours before the incident, though they had been stationed in D.C. since August for deployment purposes and were deputized to maintain patrol status, not to act as law enforcement officers.

Background on Sarah Beckstrom

Beckstrom, from Summersville, West Virginia, joined the National Guard in June 2023. She graduated from Webster County High School in 2023 and volunteered for the D.C. deployment under the Trump administration. At the time of the shooting, she was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade. The West Virginia National Guard called her death "a devastating loss" and described her as a hero.

Background on Andrew Wolfe

Wolfe, from Martinsburg, West Virginia, has been with the National Guard since February 2019. He was assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing. A 2019 graduate of Musselman High School, Wolfe was remembered by his principal as "an active, engaged, and high-achieving student."

Col. Larry Doane, commander of the Joint Task Force District of Columbia, expressed condolences, noting the profound impact of Beckstrom's loss on the Guard family and the wider Mountain State community.

Author: Sophia Brooks