The nation is reeling after a shocking act of violence unfolded just steps from the White House—an attack that claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe fighting for survival. As investigators scramble to uncover the motive behind the shooting, President Donald Trump’s response to a question about attending Beckstrom’s funeral has ignited widespread criticism and confusion.
The deadly incident occurred Wednesday afternoon near the busy Farragut metro station in Washington, D.C. Witnesses described a terrifying burst of gunfire shortly after 2 p.m., sending commuters running for cover as police and emergency vehicles swarmed the scene. Beckstrom and Wolfe, newly sworn-in members of the National Guard, were on patrol when a gunman ambushed them in broad daylight.
Authorities say the shooter, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire with a .357 Magnum revolver. Beckstrom was struck in the head and chest. Wolfe was also shot during the chaotic struggle—hit with Beckstrom’s own weapon after the attacker overpowered her. In a moment of extraordinary courage, a third Guardsman attempted to fend off the gunman using only a pocketknife until a fourth soldier arrived and managed to stop the attacker by shooting him in the leg and buttocks.
According to D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the two Guardsmen had been sworn in “less than 24 hours before they were shot on the street in Washington.” Both were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
On Thursday evening, Specialist Beckstrom’s father, Gary Beckstrom, revealed to The New York Times that his daughter’s injuries were unsurvivable. “She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery,” he said painfully. Not long after, during a Thanksgiving call with U.S. service members, President Trump confirmed the heartbreaking 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.” He described her as “an incredible person, outstanding in every single way.”
Staff Sergeant Wolfe remains hospitalized as doctors continue to fight for his life.
As investigators dig deeper into Lakanwal’s background, new details have emerged. Sources told the Associated Press that he previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan military unit before immigrating to the United States. Authorities have not yet determined whether the attack was ideologically motivated, but early signs point toward a possible act of terrorism.
During a press briefing, Trump was asked whether he planned to attend Beckstrom’s funeral. His initial response—“It is certainly something I could conceive of”—was followed by a comment that left reporters stunned: “I love West Virginia, and I won West Virginia by one of the biggest margins of any president anywhere.” The remark, seemingly unrelated to the death of the young Guardsman, prompted visible reactions in the room and quickly circulated online.
Meanwhile, Beckstrom’s hometown of Webster Springs, West Virginia, is mourning deeply. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post announced community vigils to honor her life and service, writing, “Our hearts are absolutely broken to share that Sarah has passed away from the injuries she sustained in the D.C. attack. There are no words big enough for this loss… We will still be gathering for the community vigils—now to honor Sarah’s memory, to lift up her family, and to pray for the other service member who remains injured.”
Residents have been encouraged to wear blue ribbons, Beckstrom’s symbolic color, to show solidarity with her grieving family.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but the entire community—and much of the nation—continues to watch closely as more details unfold.