Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are fighting for their lives after a targeted shooting near the White House, an event that has escalated tensions and prompted a sharp response from a top U.S. official regarding the ongoing military presence in Washington, D.C.
The Attack and The Accused
The violent incident occurred on the eve of Thanksgiving, close to the White House. Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. He now faces serious charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
At a news briefing the following day, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, revealed the identities of the wounded guardsmen. The victims are Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. In a tragic twist, Pirro confirmed that both soldiers had been sworn in less than 24 hours before the attack. Both remain hospitalized in critical condition.
A Heated Exchange and Defense of Troop Presence
The shooting immediately fueled the existing political debate surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops to the nation's capital. This deployment was initiated after President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington.
When a journalist at the briefing questioned Jeanine Pirro about people being upset with the president for sending troops, the former Fox News host reacted with sharp disapproval. "I don’t even wanna talk about whether they should’ve been there," Pirro snapped. She defended the decision, stating, "We ought to kiss the ground and thank God that the president said it’s time to bring in more law enforcement to make sure that a city that had the fourth highest homicide rate in the country... that that violence was quelled."
Expanded Deployment and Ongoing Fallout
The National Guard's mission in the capital has been a months-long effort. Within just one month of the initial deployment, more than 2,300 National Guard troops from eight states and the district were actively patrolling the city. President Trump has since expanded this strategy, sending Guard units to other major urban centers like Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
In the direct aftermath of Wednesday's shooting, the president has taken further action, requesting an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C. This move signals a continued reliance on military assets to address crime and security concerns in the district.
