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Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026
Outside the box.
Trump Invites Families of Injured National Guard Members to White House After DC Shooting
President extends invitation to families of shot guardsmen as investigation continues and immigration review ordered
President Donald Trump has invited the families of the two National Guard members who were shot near the White House earlier this week to visit the White House — a gesture intended to honour the fallen and support the wounded.
The announcement follows a shooting incident in which U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition.
The invitation came after Trump spoke with Beckstrom’s parents, who he described as “devastated,” and offered a White House visit when they are ready.
He said the visit would serve as an opportunity to honour Specialist Beckstrom’s sacrifice, and added that the family of Sergeant Wolfe will also be welcomed — regardless of whether he recovers.
Authorities identified the alleged shooter as a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was taken into custody after the attack.
The shooting has prompted a federal investigation being handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with prosecutors preparing to upgrade charges against Lakanwal to first-degree murder.
The incident has also triggered a sweeping review of U.S. asylum and immigration policies, including a temporary halt on visa issuance for Afghan nationals.
Vigils and tributes have been held across West Virginia, the home state of the two guardsmen.
Local officials, state leaders and military commanders have expressed solidarity with the families and called for a swift judicial process.
The governor of West Virginia described the attack as a tragic blow to the community.
The White House’s invitation comes as part of broader efforts by the administration to reaffirm support for U.S. service members deployed in the capital under earlier federal security orders.
It underscores the administration’s emphasis on duty, sacrifice and national security in the wake of a high-profile attack on troops deployed in a domestic law-enforcement capacity.
The announcement follows a shooting incident in which U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition.
The invitation came after Trump spoke with Beckstrom’s parents, who he described as “devastated,” and offered a White House visit when they are ready.
He said the visit would serve as an opportunity to honour Specialist Beckstrom’s sacrifice, and added that the family of Sergeant Wolfe will also be welcomed — regardless of whether he recovers.
Authorities identified the alleged shooter as a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was taken into custody after the attack.
The shooting has prompted a federal investigation being handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with prosecutors preparing to upgrade charges against Lakanwal to first-degree murder.
The incident has also triggered a sweeping review of U.S. asylum and immigration policies, including a temporary halt on visa issuance for Afghan nationals.
Vigils and tributes have been held across West Virginia, the home state of the two guardsmen.
Local officials, state leaders and military commanders have expressed solidarity with the families and called for a swift judicial process.
The governor of West Virginia described the attack as a tragic blow to the community.
The White House’s invitation comes as part of broader efforts by the administration to reaffirm support for U.S. service members deployed in the capital under earlier federal security orders.
It underscores the administration’s emphasis on duty, sacrifice and national security in the wake of a high-profile attack on troops deployed in a domestic law-enforcement capacity.
