UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members has now been charged with first-degree murder. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced this urgent development on Friday, following the tragic death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who succumbed to her injuries after the shooting in Washington, D.C.
The shooting, which took place on Wednesday afternoon, left both Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, critically injured. President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death late Thursday, bringing national attention to this tragic incident.
Beckstrom, a recent graduate of Webster County High School in June 2023, had volunteered for the operation to help “ensure the safety and security of our nation’s capital.” The West Virginia National Guard praised her dedication, stating she served “with distinction” as a military police officer. Wolfe, from Martinsburg, West Virginia, joined the Guard in February 2019 after graduating from Musselman High School.
Prior to the murder charge, the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, faced lesser charges including assault with intent to kill while armed. Authorities revealed that Lakanwal drove across the country to carry out this ambush-style attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Pirro stated, “It’s too soon to say” what the suspect’s motives are, but emphasized, “many charges to come” as the investigation unfolds.
Speaking to Fox News, Pirro expressed her deepest sympathies to Beckstrom’s family, highlighting the sacrifice made by a young soldier who was “shot ambush-style on the cold streets of Washington, D.C.” She also provided an update on Wolfe, who remains in critical condition, stating, “We still have hope” for his recovery.
Investigators are actively pursuing leads, executing warrants in Washington State and other locations. Lakanwal, who previously worked in a special CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration initiative aimed at resettling Afghan allies following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His asylum application was ultimately approved under the Trump administration, raising questions about the vetting process.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to this tragic shooting. The nation mourns the loss of Specialist Beckstrom while hoping for a swift recovery for Staff Sgt. Wolfe. This case is set to unfold further in the coming days, and more information is expected as investigations progress.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
