A tragic incident has claimed the life of a young National Guard member near the White House, with President Donald Trump confirming the devastating news during Thanksgiving celebrations.
Tragic Loss of a Young Soldier
Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, has died from injuries sustained in a shooting that occurred on Wednesday, November 27. The attack took place just a short distance from the White House, where Beckstrom was on patrol with fellow serviceman Andrew Wolfe.
President Trump announced the heartbreaking news on Friday morning, November 28, describing Beckstrom as a "highly respected, young, magnificent person." The President revealed that while Beckstrom succumbed to her wounds, 24-year-old Wolfe remains in critical condition, "fighting for his life" according to medical reports.
Suspect Identified as Former CIA Employee
Authorities have named Rahmanaullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, as the primary suspect in the ambush-style attack. The Central Intelligence Agency confirmed that Lakanwal had previously worked for the US spy agency in Afghanistan before immigrating to the United States in 2021.
US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated that prosecutors would pursue first-degree murder charges against Lakanwal if either victim did not survive the attack. "We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree," Pirro said on Thursday. "But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge."
Administration Response and Security Review
In response to the attack, the Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries, including Afghanistan. Joseph Edlow, head of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, confirmed that the President ordered a "full scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern" on Thursday night.
Beckstrom had joined the West Virginia National Guard immediately after completing high school two years ago, demonstrating early commitment to serving her country. The Wednesday afternoon attack has raised serious questions about security protocols surrounding key government installations and the vetting process for immigrants with previous connections to US agencies in conflict zones.
The investigation continues as the nation mourns the loss of a young service member and prays for the recovery of her wounded colleague.
