Shooting Outside the White House

Shortly after 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, two National Guard soldiers were ambushed while on foot patrol near 17th Street and I Street NW, just blocks from the White House. According to law enforcement, the suspect opened fire, striking 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. The assailant reportedly grabbed Beckstrom’s firearm and continued shooting before being subdued by other Guardsmen and police.

Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries the following day, while Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill and potentially first-degree murder.

Suspect and Background

Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under the humanitarian resettlement program Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum earlier this year. U.S. officials reported that he previously served in a CIA-backed paramilitary unit in Afghanistan. The attack is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism.

Authorities are reviewing the suspect’s background, connections, and motive. Immigration authorities have announced a temporary suspension of new Afghan asylum requests while conducting a full review of recent admissions.

Fallout and National Response

The shooting has intensified scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies and the vetting process for Afghan nationals. In response, the Trump administration has ordered a review of immigration applications and temporarily suspended processing of new Afghan asylum requests.

Meanwhile, the deployment of additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., is being expanded, with an extra 500 Guardsmen requested to bolster security. Officials stress that the troops’ presence is essential to maintain public safety, while critics warn that the incident highlights the risks of militarized deployments in urban areas.

Broader Implications

Since August 2025, thousands of National Guard troops have been deployed in the capital under a declared “crime emergency.” The ambush underscores concerns about urban security risks for both soldiers and civilians. Advocates for refugee rights caution against stigmatizing entire communities based on one individual’s actions, emphasizing the importance of measured public discourse.

What’s Next

Federal agencies, including the FBI, DHS, and the Secret Service, are conducting a joint investigation. Prosecutors may pursue first-degree murder or terrorism-related charges depending on Wolfe’s recovery. The incident has also reignited debates over the balance between domestic security, refugee policies, and civil liberties in the United States.

Sources:

Reuters/ The Guardian