President Donald Trump delivered heartbreaking news on Thanksgiving, revealing that West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom had succumbed to the gunshot wounds she sustained during a brutal attack in Washington, D.C. Beckstrom and West Virginia Air National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe were ambushed Wednesday at the Farragut West Metro Station, just a mile from the White House.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who entered the United States in September 2021 following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump shared the update while preparing to call servicemembers for the holiday. He described Beckstrom as “highly respected,” praising her service, dedication, and character. “Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023, outstanding in every way. She’s just passed away,” he said.
Beckstrom had been clinging to life since the shooting. Her father, Gary Beckstrom, spoke to The New York Times from her hospital bedside, where he remained as she deteriorated. “I’m holding her hand right now,” he said. “She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery.” Wolfe also remained in critical condition, and a man answering the door at his family home told the Times, “All we need right now are prayers for my son.”
The death of Beckstrom now escalates the charges Lakanwal will face. Before her passing, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro of the District of Columbia explained that the suspect had already been charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill, along with possession of a firearm during a violent crime.
During a Thanksgiving Day press conference, she made clear that prosecutors were monitoring the condition of both servicemembers and would pursue a first-degree murder charge if either one died. With Beckstrom’s death, that path is now certain.
“As we stand here today, the charges that are appropriate right now are three counts of assault with intent to kill,” Pirro said earlier. “We intend to continue monitoring what the charges will be depending upon the well-being of the guardsmen. We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge.”
Additional details about the attack have emerged. According to journalist Julio Rojas, Lakanwal shouted “Allahu akbar!” before opening fire with a Smith & Wesson revolver. The National Guardsmen fought back with remarkable courage. One, who was unarmed, stabbed Lakanwal with a pocketknife, while another Guard member shot the attacker multiple times, stopping the assault.
The tragic death of Sarah Beckstrom and the near-fatal injuries suffered by Andrew Wolfe have intensified focus on how an Afghan national who arrived in 2021 after the U.S. withdrawal ended up carrying out a violent attack against American servicemembers on U.S. soil. As the investigation continues, the grief of two West Virginia families now stands as a devastating reminder of the consequences of failed vetting and national security breakdowns.
[READ MORE: Trump Orders Review of All Afghan Entrants Admitted Under Biden After National Guard Shooting ]
