The BareStory
A suspect will be charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting in Washington, D.C., that killed one National Guard member and left another critically injured, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia announced Friday. The deceased was identified as 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. The second victim, 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition following surgery.
The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon near the Farragut West Metro station. Officials have described the incident as an "ambush-style" attack. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is accused of firing at the service members with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro called the shooting a "premeditated" and "targeted" attack that occurred "without provocation." An honor escort was held for Specialist Beckstrom on Thursday evening.
Lakanwal is an Afghan national residing in Bellingham, Washington, who entered the U.S. in 2021. According to law enforcement sources, he was granted asylum in April 2025. The CIA stated that Lakanwal had worked with the U.S. government as part of a partner force in Afghanistan. A U.S. official briefed on the matter confirmed the suspect was part of a "Zero Unit," which worked with the CIA. The FBI is leading the investigation and, according to its director, uncovered "numerous electronic devices" during a search of the suspect's residence.
President Donald Trump announced Beckstrom's death on Thursday, stating that Wolfe was "fighting for his life." Both service members were part of the West Virginia National Guard and had been deployed to the capital since August as part of a federal crime crackdown ordered by the president. Col. Larry Doane, a commander for the D.C. task force, called Beckstrom a "hero."
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• This event may intensify debate on deploying National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement, as the victims were part of a federal crime crackdown in D.C.
• The suspect’s status as an Afghan asylee who worked with the CIA could prompt review of the vetting and asylum process for foreign partners of the U.S.
• The attack near a public transit station in the nation's capital may heighten security concerns in major urban areas, particularly around federal buildings and personnel.
