Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are fighting for their lives after being targeted in what authorities describe as an "ambush-style" shooting just blocks from the White House in Washington DC.
The Attack: What Happened
At approximately 2:15pm on Wednesday, a gunman opened fire on two National Guard members in an unprovoked attack northwest of the White House. The victims have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both recently sworn-in guardsmen who now remain hospitalised in critical condition.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro characterised the assault as an "ambush-style" gun attack, while DC police executive assistant chief Jeffery Carroll revealed that the suspect "came around the corner" and immediately began firing at the troops without warning.
The Suspect and Immediate Aftermath
The alleged attacker, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was shot at the scene by a third guard member and taken into custody while receiving medical treatment. Authorities confirm his wounds are not life-threatening.
Lakanwal now faces serious charges including assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Prosecutors note that if either guard member dies from their injuries, the charges could be upgraded to first-degree murder.
Investigators remain puzzled by the motive behind the attack. Carroll stated that authorities currently have "no information on a motive" for the shocking assault.
Background and National Security Implications
The suspect had travelled across the United States from his family home in Bellingham, Washington state, where he lives with his wife and five children, specifically to carry out the attack according to initial investigations. Authorities believe he acted alone.
Lakanwal's background reveals he previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and came to the United States in 2021 as part of a programme resettling Afghans who had assisted US operations. CIA director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwal was "a member of a partner force in Kandahar" during US operations in Afghanistan.
The shooting has prompted immediate political and security responses. The Trump administration has ordered 500 additional National Guard members to Washington and called for reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration.
In a significant policy shift, US Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily halted processing all immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending further review of security and vetting protocols.
The scene of the attack has become a makeshift memorial, with flowers and an American flag placed at the location where the two guardsmen fell, symbolising the shock and solidarity following the targeted assault on military personnel in the nation's capital.
