Amanze Chinonye
One of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot in a brazen ambush just blocks from the White House has died, federal officials confirmed on Thursday, while the second remains in critical condition as investigators intensify a nationwide probe into the attack.
Authorities identified the deceased soldier as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, who succumbed to her injuries overnight after undergoing emergency surgery. Her colleague, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, is still hospitalized and “fighting for his life,”
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The pair were on routine patrol duty Tuesday afternoon near the Farragut West Metro Station when an assailant opened fire at close range in what investigators have described as a “targeted, ambush-style attack.” The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m., prompting immediate armed response from nearby personnel who shot and subdued the suspect at the scene.
The gunman, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, remains in custody under heavy guard at a D.C. hospital. His background, contacts, and digital footprints are now the focus of an intensive investigation involving the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and federal prosecutors.
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President Trump on Thursday blamed the administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the circumstances that led to this week’s deadly shooting involving two National Guard members near the White House.
During a briefing, Trump claimed without providing evidence that the alleged gunman was among the Afghans who entered the United States during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. He alleged that the suspect had come in “unvetted” and described him as having gone “cuckoo.”
Trump used the incident to renew his calls for tighter immigration controls, saying the attack “reminds us that we have no greater national security priority than ensuring full control over the people who enter and remain in our country.”
U.S. officials have not confirmed Trump’s claims about the suspect’s immigration background, and investigations into the shooter’s identity and motive are still ongoing.
Reuters reported that investigators have executed search warrants at multiple properties linked to Lakanwal and seized electronic devices for forensic review.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive and say it is too early to determine whether the attack was terror-motivated, though they are treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism pending further evidence.
The death of Beckstrom one of the youngest soldiers deployed to Washington, D.C. has further escalated political tensions surrounding the attack.
President Trump expressed condolences and ordered additional National Guard reinforcements into the capital. The administration also announced an indefinite halt to all immigration processing involving Afghan nationals, citing the need for a comprehensive security and vetting review.
The shooting has ignited renewed debate over the vetting of Afghan evacuees brought into the United States after 2021, with lawmakers sharply divided over the broader implications. No evidence has yet emerged linking Lakanwal to extremist organizations, and relatives in media interviews expressed shock, saying they could not explain his alleged actions.
Federal authorities say updates on Wolfe’s condition will be released as appropriate, while autopsy and investigative reports related to Beckstrom’s death are forthcoming. The probe remains active, with officials warning that more information will emerge in the coming days.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
