Authorities Reveal Identities of National Guard Members Shot in D.C.

Two National Guard members shot in Washington

Shooter identified by authorities

Attack near the White House

Authorities reported on Thursday that the National Guard members shot in a Washington D.C. attack are Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24.

Both are part of the West Virginia National Guard and were in the U.S. capital complying with President Donald Trump’s executive order intended to make Washington D.C. a “safe and beautiful” place.

The district attorney for the U.S. capital, Jeanine Pirro, confirmed that both soldiers remain in critical condition.

She added that the seriousness of their condition will be a decisive factor in determining the final charges against the person responsible for the attack — a point now central in the National Guard shooting investigation.

National Guard Members Identified After Shooting in Washington

They identify the two National Guard members injured in Washington DC: they remain in serious condition after undergoing surgeries.

Details https://t.co/wMMtdzjwJd pic.twitter.com/LyL9vsOJjC

— Al Punto (@AlPunto) November 27, 2025

Pirro detailed that the suspected shooter was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan citizen who used a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver in the attack.

Lakanwal lived in Bellingham, Washington state, with his wife and five children, and drove from there to Washington D.C. in his own vehicle.

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Upon reaching the capital, according to authorities, he first shot one of the guards, who fell to the ground after the first impact.

He then leaned over the victim and shot again.

The National Guard members injured in the Washington D.C. shooting are two young people aged 20 and 24 https://t.co/5dwi8NpBoc pic.twitter.com/STl6uY831Y

— Aristegui Noticias (@AristeguiOnline) November 27, 2025

Officers in the area responded immediately and were able to neutralize the threat, subduing Rahmanullah Lakanwal on the scene.

Lakanwal was taken to a hospital, where he remains in custody.

The shooting occurred at a metro station located roughly 500 meters from the White House.

At the time of the attack, both soldiers were armed.

What Is Known About the Suspect

I believe I found the Facebook account of «Rahmanullah Lakanwal».

Account was made two years after he immigrated to the United States under «Operation Allies Welcome» after the Afghanistan Withdrawal in 2021. pic.twitter.com/W2CbWS81xd

— *67 No More Wars (@prankcaller2000) November 27, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that authorities have already interviewed all members of the suspect’s household in Bellingham.

He added that investigators continue gathering witness statements to reconstruct the events with precision.

Patel confirmed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal worked for a CIA-backed military unit in Afghanistan.

He was later brought to the United States in 2021 through the “Operation Allies Welcome” program, created to support Afghan citizens after the U.S. military withdrawal.

Charges Rahmanullah Lakanwal Will Face

According to District Attorney Pirro, the alleged shooter will be charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, a charge that could result in up to 15 years in prison.

He will also face an additional charge for possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

However, Pirro noted that the severity of the charges will depend on the condition of Beckstrom and Wolfe.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated Thursday morning that if the two agents die, she will “do everything possible” to seek the death penalty for the suspect.

Authorities continue investigating all aspects of the case and working to determine the motive behind the attack — an essential element in understanding the National Guard shooting incident.