Two National Guardsmen who were shot in Washington DC have been identified as Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, and Sarah Backstrom, aged 20. President Donald Trump labeled the incident an “act of terror.” The alleged shooter, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021, is in custody.
Following Trump’s condemnation of the attack, US Citizenship and Immigration Services halted the processing of immigration cases linked to Afghan immigrants until further review. The West Virginia National Guard provided details about the injured Guard members. Sarah Beckstrom joined the 863rd Military Police Company on June 26, 2023, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was with the 167th Airlift Wing since February 5, 2019.
Both Wolfe and Beckstrom had been deployed in Washington DC since August as part of a security mission. Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed intent to seek the death penalty for the suspect. Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that if the victims’ prognosis leads to the worst-case scenario, the suspect could face life in prison with terrorism charges.
Andrew Wolfe, one of the injured Guardsmen, is 24 years old and a member of the West Virginia National Guard. He is currently in critical condition after undergoing surgery. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the alleged shooter, traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack, according to DC Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national granted asylum under Operation Allies Welcome, had ties to US forces in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the violence and called for zero tolerance against such acts targeting military personnel. Governor Newsom expressed solidarity with the injured service members and their families.
The incident sparked reactions from various officials and authorities, with House Speaker Mike Johnson urging prayers for the injured Guardsmen. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack, and the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is currently receiving medical treatment. The affected National Guard members remain in critical condition at a local hospital.
As the situation develops, concerns about security measures and support for the Guardsmen continue to grow. The presence of the National Guard in Washington DC has been a contentious issue, leading to legal battles and public debates. The community and officials are rallying behind the injured Guardsmen and their families during this challenging time.