Ambush Attack Near White House
A violent ambush near the White House has resulted in upgraded criminal charges against the alleged perpetrator. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old man originally from Afghanistan, is now facing a murder charge following the death of one of two U.S. National Guard members he is accused of shooting.
Charges Upgraded to Murder
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro confirmed the serious development on Friday, November 28, 2025. The initial assault charge will be upgraded to murder in the first degree after 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries. Pirro indicated that further charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The attack occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Authorities allege that Lakanwal opened fire without provocation in an ambush-style attack on West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, aged 24. Pirro stated that the suspect allegedly fired another shot at an injured soldier before discharging multiple rounds at the second victim.
National Tragedy and Political Fallout
President Donald Trump announced Beckstrom's death while addressing service members on U.S. Thanksgiving Day. "She's just passed away," Trump said. "She's no longer with us. She's looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her."
The second victim, Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized in critical condition. President Trump described Wolfe as "fighting for his life" and "in very bad shape."
Following the tragic incident, President Trump declared on social media his intention to "permanently pause migration" from poorer countries, signaling potential significant policy changes in response to the attack.
Investigation Reveals Suspect's Background
Law enforcement sources revealed that Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. According to CNN reports, CIA director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.
The suspect applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted that status in April 2025 under the Trump administration after what authorities describe as an exhaustive vetting process. He entered through Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to evacuate Afghans who had assisted American forces during the conflict.
Authorities report that Lakanwal drove from Washington state to Washington, D.C. specifically to target National Guard members deployed to patrol the U.S. capital. The investigation continues to determine the exact circumstances of his entry into the country and his motive for the attack, which remains undisclosed by officials.
