BREAKING: Two members of the National Guard were critically injured in a targeted ambush shooting just blocks from the White House in Washington D.C. on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:15 p.m.. The victims have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, both serving with the West Virginia National Guard.
The shooting incident occurred less than 24 hours after both service members were deputized for presence patrols as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission. Currently, they are hospitalized in critical condition, as confirmed by authorities during a Thursday news conference led by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
The alleged gunman, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was also shot during the incident and is now in custody facing charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, as well as possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Wolfe, aged 24 and hailing from Martinsburg, West Virginia, has been a service member since February 5, 2019, and is a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant with the 167th Airlift Wing. Meanwhile, Beckstrom, just 20 years old and from Webster Springs, West Virginia, joined the National Guard on June 26, 2023, serving with the 863rd Military Police Company and the 111th Engineer Brigade.
Tragically, Beckstrom’s father shared harrowing details with the media, stating that she suffered a “mortal wound” and is unlikely to recover. “I’m holding her hand right now,” said Gary Beckstrom. “It’s not going to be a recovery.” The family is devastated, and friends and community members are rallying around them in this difficult time.
Wolfe’s father, Jason Wolfe, also shared his anguish, asking the public to “just pray for my son” as he faces an uncertain future.
This violent incident has raised alarms regarding the safety of deployed personnel in the nation’s capital, especially after President Trump ordered the National Guard to Washington D.C. last August as part of a crackdown on crime. The community is in shock as the investigation continues.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as they piece together the events leading to this tragic ambush. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
