Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard died after being shot near the White House. Trump confirmed his death. Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal will be charged with first-degree murder. Fellow guard Andrew Wolfe is in critical condition.
Washington. The firing near the White House late on Wednesday night shook the entire America. Sarah Beckstrom, a 23-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, was shot in the head and chest. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump officially announced his death. This incident is not only tragic, but also raises many questions – was it a planned attack? Was the attacker looking for a specific target? And why were only two young guards targeted?
Was Sara’s death a coincidence or part of a bigger conspiracy?
Sara Beckstrom, who began her service in June 2023, was always known for her dedication and courage in the line of duty. Even on the night of the shooting, she willingly came to work on Thanksgiving so that others could spend time with their families.
Who is the attacker Lakanwal and why did he come to DC?
According to officials, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal was hiding at the same place and was looking for an opportunity. He is said to have opened fire with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. But the big question is – was he deliberately targeting National Guard members? Investigative agencies are also looking at this case as a possible terrorist attack. This deepens the mystery.
A few steps away from the White House…what happened next?
The shooting occurred while Sara Beckstrom and her fellow guard Andrew Wolfe were near the Farragut West Metro station. Then, according to officials, the accused Rahmanullah Lakanwal suddenly appeared and started firing from his .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. The bullet hit Sara directly in her chest and head. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but his condition continued to deteriorate.
Trump’s emotional message – “He is no longer with us”
Trump’s voice became heavy while addressing service members on Thanksgiving. He said, “Sarah was a wonderful person. Young, respected… and now she is no longer with us. This has just happened. She was attacked very badly.” His statement increased both mourning and concern across the country.
Sara’s last fight – father’s painful statement
“She’s got a life-threatening injury. She’s not going to recover,” Sarah’s father, Gary Beckstrom, said as he held his daughter’s hand at the hospital. This statement clearly shows the horror of the incident and the pain of the family.
Who was the attacker? What is his story?
The background of Rahmanullah Lakanwal seems full of mystery in itself.
- He was previously in the Afghan army
- Had worked with US Special Forces
- US came from Afghanistan in 2021
- Applied for asylum in 2024
- It got approval in 2025
- he had no criminal record
But police say that he was waiting at that place for hours, as if he was waiting for a special moment. This is what is forcing investigators to consider it a possible terrorist attack.
Andrew Wolfe is also in critical condition – treatment continues in hospital
Andrew Wolfe, a 24-year-old guard who was with Sarah, was also shot several times. He has undergone surgery and doctors are continuously monitoring him.
Duty on Thanksgiving-Sarah’s final decision
The most emotional thing is that Sara had taken up this duty willingly, so that the rest of the guards could celebrate the festival with their families. This proved to be his final sacrifice. Investigating agencies are looking at this incident from many angles. What is the reality, it will be known in the coming days. But the death of Sara Beckstrom has forced America to think about how such attacks can happen even amidst the country’s security.