Suspect in National Guard shooting in DC identified as Afghan national. Here’s what we know.

Emergency responders maintained a strong presence in Washington, D.C., following a shooting near the White House on Wednesday that left two National Guard members injured. Authorities reported that one of the service members has died, while the other remains in critical condition. The incident occurred the day before Thanksgiving, intensifying discussions around immigration policy.

Victims and Military Service

US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a Virginia National Guard member who had served for just over two years, was killed. President Trump, speaking to service members on Thanksgiving, described Beckstrom, who had volunteered to work during the holiday, as outstanding in every way. Another guard member, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Both soldiers were deployed under the DC Safe and Beautiful Mission since August 2025.

Suspect Identified

The shooter has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021 under a program created after the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Authorities said Lakanwal was also injured and hospitalized. According to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and was granted asylum in April by the Trump administration after applying in 2024.

Official Statements and Reactions

President Trump called the shooting an act of terror from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. He criticized the Biden administration for allowing unvetted foreigners into the US and demanded a review of all Afghan entrants under Biden. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that authorities would pursue the death penalty or, at minimum, life imprisonment with terrorism charges against the suspect. US Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro confirmed that Lakanwal faces assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm charges, with potential adjustments depending on the recovery of the injured.

Immigration Background

Lakanwal came to the US on September 8, 2021, through Operation Allies Welcome, a program launched under the Biden administration to protect vulnerable Afghans. Over 190,000 Afghans have been resettled in the US under this program and its successor, Enduring Welcome. Many admitted under these programs were granted temporary residency or Special Immigrant Visas for their work aiding the US.

US officials emphasized that extensive vetting processes were conducted before admitting Afghan nationals. A senior official confirmed Lakanwal was cleared through multiple security checks and underwent continuous annual vetting.

Attack Details

The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. in Farragut Square, a busy area near the White House. The suspect allegedly approached the National Guard members performing high-visibility patrols, raised a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, and opened fire. Fellow guards subdued the suspect until law enforcement arrived. Both victims and the shooter were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud gunfire and seeing people running. One bystander described the scene as chaotic, with shattered glass and attempts to perform CPR on the injured guards.

Security Measures and National Guard Deployment

Following the attack, President Trump requested 500 additional National Guard troops be sent to Washington, D.C. This deployment occurred amid ongoing legal disputes regarding the presence of the Guard in the capital. Federal authorities continue to investigate the suspects motives, treating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Impact and Public Response

The shooting has prompted the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to pause Afghan immigration cases pending further review of security and vetting protocols. Families of the victims, including Beckstroms and Wolfes, have been urged to remain in thoughts and prayers as they recover from the tragedy. Authorities continue to emphasize the bravery of the National Guard members who were ambushed while serving the public.

Analysis: The Fallout from the Washington, D.C. Shooting Incident

The tragic shooting near the White House, which resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left her colleague Andrew Wolfe in critical condition, has raised a number of significant issues. Beyond the immediate horror of the attack, the incident has reopened debates on national security, immigration policies, and the safety of U.S. military personnel on domestic duty.

While the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was admitted to the U.S. through a program designed to protect Afghan refugees, his background raises questions about the thoroughness of vetting procedures. Despite having undergone extensive security checks, the attack underscores the potential vulnerabilities in the system, particularly when individuals with past affiliations, such as Lakanwal's work with the CIA, are involved. The shooting also highlights the complexities of integrating foreign nationals into the United States under special immigration programs.

The political implications are clear. President Trump’s swift condemnation of the Biden administration's immigration policies points to a renewed national conversation on border control and vetting protocols. Critics have already begun calling for more stringent measures, while others stress the importance of maintaining humanitarian commitments, particularly toward those who aided the U.S. during the war in Afghanistan.

From a security standpoint, the attack has sparked immediate action, including a request for 500 additional National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., further emphasizing the need for heightened security in the nation's capital. The incident also serves as a reminder of the risks faced by military personnel, not only in combat zones abroad but also on U.S. soil during routine operations.

Ultimately, this tragic event is likely to influence both immigration policies and the public's perception of national security in the years to come. While the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the nation must reassess its approach to balancing security, immigration, and the protection of those who serve in its military.

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• An Afghan national is identified as suspect in National Guard shooting in DC. Here’s what we know