UPDATE: An Afghan refugee has been charged with murder after a shocking shooting incident that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured near the White House last week. 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of ambushing the two guards on the streets of Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
The victims, identified as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were patrolling the area when they were shot. Emergency services rushed both men to local hospitals, but devastatingly, Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries the following day. This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about security in the nation’s capital.
A picture has emerged showing Lakanwal in a black puffer coat, brandishing a revolver as he approached the guards. The incident marks a grim turn in what had been a routine patrol. President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death in a statement, expressing condolences to her family and unit.
Court documents filed by the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro detail charges against Lakanwal, including murder, assault, and firearms offenses. Authorities report that Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021, previously worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, raising concerns about the vetting processes for refugees allowed into the country following the chaotic withdrawal.
The Director of the Army National Guard paid tribute to Beckstrom, highlighting her service with the West Virginia National Guard’s 863rd Military Police Company, where she enlisted in June 2023. “Sarah answered every call with professionalism and quiet resolve,” the statement read. The Director expressed deep sympathy for her loved ones during this tragic time, underscoring the significant loss to the military community.
This developing situation continues to unfold, with many now calling for a thorough review of security measures in Washington. As investigations proceed, the nation watches closely as more details emerge about the tragic events that took place just blocks from the heart of American democracy.
What happens next remains uncertain, but the impact of this incident will resonate deeply within military and civilian circles alike. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops further.
