National Guard Member Killed in Washington Ambush as Trump Orders Major Review of Asylum Cases
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One of the guard wheeled out after the shootings. Source: Hindustan.
A tragic ambush near the White House has claimed the life of a National Guard member, sparking political tension and a full-scale federal investigation in the United States.
Authorities confirmed that 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom died on Thursday after she and fellow Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot during routine patrol duty in the U.S. capital. Wolfe remains in critical condition.
President Donald Trump described the attack as a “terrorist act” and announced an immediate nationwide review of asylum approvals granted under the previous administration.
Suspect Identified as Afghan National
Federal investigators identified the gunman as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 through a resettlement program for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan war.
Officials confirmed that Lakanwal previously served in a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan before relocating to Washington state with his family.
The FBI executed search warrants on multiple properties, seizing phones, laptops, and other devices as investigators probe the suspect’s motive.
How the ambush unfolded
Authorities say Lakanwal drove across the U.S. to Washington, D.C., before launching the ambush on Wednesday afternoon. He allegedly opened fire with a .357 Magnum revolver, striking the two Guardsmen at close range.
The suspect was shot and wounded by responding forces and is currently hospitalized in serious condition.
Trump Blames Biden-Era Vetting
During a Thanksgiving call with service members, President Trump blamed “failed vetting policies” from the Biden administration, claiming thousands of Afghans were admitted into the country without adequate screening—though he provided no evidence.
The President vowed to “remove anyone who poses a threat,” adding that the attacker’s actions prove the need for stricter immigration controls.
However, federal records reviewed by reporters indicate that the suspect was granted asylum this year under the Trump administration, after applying in December 2024.
Federal Authorities Consider Terrorism Charges
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the government is preparing to file terrorism charges, including the possibility of the death penalty following the death of the National Guard member.
FBI Director Kash Patel labelled the shooting a “heinous act of terrorism,” though investigators have not yet confirmed a motive.
Emotional Reactions and Growing Tensions
The father of the fallen Guard member expressed heartbreak on social media, writing:
“My baby girl has passed to glory… We are facing a horrible tragedy.”
President Trump later spoke with the family by phone.
The tragic event has intensified political debate over asylum, immigration, and America’s national security policies. Within hours of the shooting, the administration announced sweeping reviews of:
All asylum cases approved under Biden
Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries
Afghan resettlement entries dating back to 2021
CIA Confirms Suspect’s Past Work
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwal was part of a CIA-supported “Zero Unit”, an elite Afghan paramilitary force trained for night raids and counter-terror operations.
The agency did not disclose whether his past work influenced the attack.
What Happens Next?
The U.S. government is preparing to file murder and terrorism charges as investigators analyze the suspect’s travel history, digital communications, and past military ties.
Meanwhile, Washington remains on heightened alert as political leaders argue over who is responsible for the system failures that allowed the tragedy to occur.
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