President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of Sarah Beckstrom, the female National Guard member who was attacked in the ambush-style shooting on Wednesday (November 26) in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, the second guard member attacked, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
The shooting, which has been described as an “ambush attack,” occurred just steps away from the White House. Following the incident, the Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect as 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who settled in Washington State under a Joe Biden-era program.
During the incident, police said the suspect, who acted as a “lone gunman” “ambushed” National Guard members. The shooter left two members, from the West Virginia National Guard, in critical condition, initially.
A source told CBS News that the first victim, identified as 20-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, was struck immediately and collapsed where she stood. She sustained at least two gunshot wounds. The suspect then reportedly took Beckstrom’s weapon and struck a second Guard member, 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
A third Guard member, who was not injured, shortly returned fire, striking the shooter, and ending the ambush. The suspect was then taken into custody and transported to the hospital upon arrest.
Donald Trump Confirms Death Of National Guard Member Sarah Beckstrom And Gives Update On Second Victim, Member Andrew Wolfe, After D.C. Shooting
Since the tragic shooting, National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom has died and fellow member Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition, fighting for his life. After both undergoing emergency surgery, Beckstrom passed away following critical injuries on Thursday evening (November 27). After beginning her military service on June 26, 2023, she was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, part of the 111th Engineer Brigade within the West Virginia Army National Guard.
President Trump confirmed the news of her passing. During a Thanksgiving call to service members today, he said:
“Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023 outstanding in every way. She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. This just happened. She was savagely attacked, she’s dead now.”
Trump also said he spoke with Beckstrom’s family and said he’s open to attending her funeral. During the call, he said, “Well, the family is devastated, as you can imagine. She was so outstanding. I mean, I just heard outstanding in every single way.” When asked about his plans to attend her funeral, he said, “I haven’t thought about it yet, but it certainly is something I could conceive of. I love West Virginia.”
Additionally, President Trump gave an update on Wolfe and said, “As you know, the other young man is fighting for his life. He’s in very bad shape. He’s fighting for his life. And hopefully we’ll get better news with respect to him.
Elsewhere, Wolfe’s father has called for prayers as his son remains in critical condition. He told CNN, “Please pray for my son. He is a great person and a fighter.”
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