Focus on the BIG picture.
Friday, Nov 28, 2025
Outside the box.
U.S. National Guard Sergeant Sarah Beckstrom Dies After D.C. Shooting; Suspect Identified as Afghan Resettled Under 2021 Program
President Trump condemns the attack as a ‘terrorist act’ and orders tightened immigration reviews
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, has died from wounds sustained in a Washington, D.C. shooting that left another guardsman critically injured.
President said she was “highly respected” and described the attack as a deliberate ambush carried out by an Afghan national resettled in the United States under a post-2021 evacuation programme.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly opened fire near the Farragut West metro station — just blocks from the White House — on 26 November, striking Beckstrom and 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.
Lakanwal was wounded by return fire and is now under guard in hospital, while Wolfe is reported to remain in critical condition.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under a programme designed to resettle vulnerable Afghans after the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.
Authorities say he previously served in a paramilitary unit backed by U.S. intelligence.
The shooting has reignited scrutiny over immigration vetting procedures and resettlement policy.
In response, President ordered a comprehensive review of green cards and asylum approvals for nationals from countries deemed high-risk, pausing new Afghan immigration applications.
Federal prosecutors have already filed multiple counts against Lakanwal, including assault with intent to kill and firearm possession during a violent crime; with Beckstrom’s death now confirmed, first-degree murder charges — and terrorism charges — are being considered.
The Department of Justice also announced plans to seek the death penalty.
As the case proceeds, the government has deployed additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and emphasised efforts to re-evaluate immigration and resettlement criteria amid heightened security concerns.
The incident has renewed debates over balancing humanitarian obligations and national safety in the United States.
President said she was “highly respected” and described the attack as a deliberate ambush carried out by an Afghan national resettled in the United States under a post-2021 evacuation programme.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly opened fire near the Farragut West metro station — just blocks from the White House — on 26 November, striking Beckstrom and 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe.
Lakanwal was wounded by return fire and is now under guard in hospital, while Wolfe is reported to remain in critical condition.
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under a programme designed to resettle vulnerable Afghans after the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.
Authorities say he previously served in a paramilitary unit backed by U.S. intelligence.
The shooting has reignited scrutiny over immigration vetting procedures and resettlement policy.
In response, President ordered a comprehensive review of green cards and asylum approvals for nationals from countries deemed high-risk, pausing new Afghan immigration applications.
Federal prosecutors have already filed multiple counts against Lakanwal, including assault with intent to kill and firearm possession during a violent crime; with Beckstrom’s death now confirmed, first-degree murder charges — and terrorism charges — are being considered.
The Department of Justice also announced plans to seek the death penalty.
As the case proceeds, the government has deployed additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and emphasised efforts to re-evaluate immigration and resettlement criteria amid heightened security concerns.
The incident has renewed debates over balancing humanitarian obligations and national safety in the United States.
