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Two National Guard Members Critically Wounded in D.C. Shooting; Afghan National in Custody

2025-11-27

The BareStory

Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot and critically wounded in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred near the Farragut West Metro station. Officials identified the wounded as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both of whom remain in critical condition after surgery. The suspect was shot by another Guard member at the scene and taken into custody.

Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Lakanwal drove from his residence in Bellingham, Washington, to D.C. before the attack. Pirro announced that Lakanwal will face charges including assault with intent to kill while armed and weapons possession. Officials have not stated a motive for the shooting.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the incident is being investigated as a "possible act of international terrorism." Federal authorities executed a search warrant at the suspect's home, seizing electronic devices. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had previously worked with the U.S. government and the CIA as a member of a partner force in Afghanistan until 2021.

According to a Department of Homeland Security official, Lakanwal entered the U.S. in September 2021 on humanitarian parole. Several sources stated his asylum application was approved in 2025. Following the shooting, President Donald Trump called it an "act of hatred" and ordered the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to D.C. He also called for a reexamination of Afghan nationals admitted to the U.S. under the previous administration, and his administration has reportedly paused processing their immigration applications.

Left Perspective

  • The incident is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.
  • The attack has been labeled an "act of hatred" by the President.
  • The event has triggered a policy review of Afghan immigration.

Right Perspective

  • The suspect previously worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan.
  • The suspect entered the U.S. through official humanitarian and asylum channels.
  • Officials have not yet determined a motive for the shooting.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Immigration applications for some Afghan nationals have reportedly been paused, which may delay resettlement for those awaiting processing.

• People in Washington, D.C. may see an increased National Guard presence following the deployment of 500 additional troops to the city.

• The vetting process for foreign nationals who previously assisted the U.S. government may be reexamined, potentially affecting future admissions policies.

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