In a heartbreaking development, Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the National Guard, has tragically passed away after sustaining injuries in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday. Former President Donald Trump confirmed her death during his first public remarks since the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. "Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person … She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us,” Trump stated.
Beckstrom, who was just 20 years old, was one of two National Guard members shot in what authorities describe as a targeted attack. The second victim, Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, is currently in critical condition as he battles for his life. The somber news of Beckstrom's passing follows a phone call from her father, Gary Beckstrom, to the New York Times earlier that day, where he conveyed the dire situation. "I’m holding her hand right now,” Gary Beckstrom said. “She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery.”
Both Beckstrom and Wolfe had only been sworn into service less than 24 hours prior to the shooting, marking a tragic start to their military careers. The incident has raised significant concern over the safety of National Guard members and the implications of targeted violence against military personnel.
Authorities have identified the suspect in the shooting as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old who arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021. His entry was facilitated by a program designed to provide visas to Afghans who had worked with the U.S. government. Lakanwal was granted asylum in April of this year during the Trump administration, according to reports by Reuters. The CIA has confirmed that Lakanwal had affiliations with CIA-backed military units during the U.S. war in Afghanistan.
During a news conference on Thursday, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington D.C., announced that Lakanwal would face multiple charges, including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, as well as possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro also indicated that if the National Guard members did not survive their injuries, the charges against Lakanwal could escalate to first-degree murder.
The tragic death of Sarah Beckstrom has sent shockwaves through her community and the nation as a whole. As the investigation continues, many are urging for increased protection and support for military personnel, particularly in urban environments where such targeted attacks can occur. The resilience of the National Guard and their service to the country remains a focal point of discussion in the aftermath of this incident.