Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom, the West Virginia National Guard members critically injured in the Washington DC shooting near the White House (Photo: X | File)
A violent attack in downtown Washington has left two young members of the West Virginia National Guard fighting for their lives. The shooting, which unfolded near Farragut Square just blocks from the White House, came just a day after both soldiers were formally sworn in for patrol duties.
What was to have been a rather routine security assignment instead proved to be a disastrous incident that federal officials say has left two families shattered.
Authorities identified the wounded soldiers as Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both were stationed in Washington since August as part of a federal security task force.
Wolfe had joined the Air National Guard in 2019 and has received multiple commendations in service. Beckstrom, who began her service in 2023, was with a military police company. Both had volunteered for the mission, and Beckstrom had reportedly offered to stay on through Thanksgiving.
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The suspected gunman was identified by investigators as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, had worked with US personnel in Kandahar before the country granted him entry due to his cooperation with American forces after the withdrawal in 2021.
According to federal officials, he drove across the country from Washington state to the capital before he allegedly opened fire on the Guardsmen. He is now facing numerous counts of assault with intent to kill and weapons violations-all subject to be upgraded depending on the conditions of the victims.
The attack quickly provoked a wave of political reactions. Former President Donald Trump named the shooting an act of terror and asked for a complete review of Afghan nationals admitted under the Biden administration.
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The presence of the National Guard has grown in the capital since August, when Trump authorized a federal deployment, citing concerns about rising crime and homelessness. An additional 500 Guard personnel were requested for Washington after the attack.
Both victims survived surgery, but doctors said their condition was still critical. Outside the hospital, colleagues and loved ones await word, hoping the two young soldiers pull through.
The shootings have revived debates over security, vetting policies, and the burden placed on National Guard units across the country. For now, attention remains fixed on the recovery of Beckstrom and Wolfe as Washington confronts yet another tragedy in its crowded center.
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Disclaimer: Information is based on current reports and may evolve as authorities release new details. This article is for news and analysis purposes only.
