UPDATE: Two National Guard members were shot in a shocking ambush just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon. The victims, identified as Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, were targeted around 2:15 p.m. while serving on the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission, authorities confirmed during a press conference on Thursday.
Both members are currently hospitalized in critical condition. The shooting occurred less than 24 hours after Beckstrom and Wolfe were officially deputized to conduct presence patrols in the area. They had been deployed to D.C. since August 2023 following a directive from President Trump aimed at combating crime in the city.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was also shot during the incident and is now facing serious charges, including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Wolfe, 24, from Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant and has been in service since February 5, 2019. Beckstrom, just 20 years old and hailing from Webster Springs, West Virginia, entered service on June 26, 2023, and serves with the 863rd Military Police Company and the 111th Engineer Brigade.
In a heartbreaking revelation, Beckstrom’s father, Gary Beckstrom, told The New York Times that his daughter has suffered a “mortal wound” and is unlikely to survive. “I’m holding her hand right now,” he stated. “It’s not going to be a recovery.” The family is currently grappling with the emotional turmoil of this tragic event.
Wolfe’s father, Jason Wolfe, has also expressed deep concern for his son but declined to provide further comments, simply requesting prayers for his son’s recovery.
As this story develops, the implications of the shooting raise serious concerns about the safety of National Guard members deployed in urban environments. With the investigation ongoing, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as new details emerge.
