Revealed: Murdered Guard Sarah Beckstrom Volunteered for Holiday Shift So Others Could Be Home With Their Families

U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, one of the two West Virginia National Guard members targeted in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday, has tragically died from her wounds, President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening. Specialist Beckstrom, only 20 years old, was described as a selfless soldier who had volunteered to work the holiday shift so that her fellow Guardsmen could spend Thanksgiving with their families.

Speaking on Thursday evening, President Trump called her a "highly respected, young, magnificent person," and delivered the devastating news: "She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. It’s just happened."

The second Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition and is "fighting for his life," according to the President.

Targeted Ambush and Suspect Details

The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. Witnesses reported hearing the assailant shout "Allahu Akbar" as he opened fire with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver at close range, hitting Specialist Beckstrom in the chest and head.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized Beckstrom’s selflessness, stating, "She volunteered to be there on Thanksgiving working today. She volunteers so other people can be home with their families." Prior to her passing, her father, Gary Beckstrom, had told the New York Times she was not expected to survive, saying, "She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery." Both Sarah and Andrew had been sworn in less than 24 hours before the ambush.

Officials have described the shooting as a targeted ambush. Pirro stated that the suspect allegedly drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack.

Terrorism Investigation Underway

Lakanwal currently faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to harm and criminal possession of a weapon, though prosecutors noted that the charges are likely to be upgraded following Specialist Beckstrom's death.

Federal officials, however, are exploring the terrorism motive. FBI Director Kash Patel described the case as an "ongoing investigation of terrorism." Agents have searched the suspect’s home and conducted additional interviews in San Diego as part of the widening probe.

The suspect’s background has drawn intense scrutiny. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration. He later applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted that status in April of this year under the Trump administration. Furthermore, CIA Director John Ratcliffe revealed that Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. government forces in Kandahar prior to the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

President Trump condemned the shooting as an "act of hatred" and immediately ordered a full reexamination of all Afghan nationals admitted to the U.S. under the Biden administration. He also ordered the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.