Picture courtesy of CNN

 

In a tragic turn of events in Washington DC, one National Guard member has died following a shooting near Farragut Square. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom. The US President confirmed her death during a Thanksgiving call with service members.

 

The shooting left another National Guard member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, in critical condition. Authorities reported that the shooting happened close to the White House, with both individuals on a high-visibility patrol in a bustling area known for its lunchtime crowd. A suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been apprehended for the attack. Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, was shot four times during his arrest and arrived in the US in 2021.

 

President Trump expressed his condolences, describing Ms Beckstrom as a "highly respected" guardsman. She had volunteered to serve in Washington over the Thanksgiving holiday period, showing dedication to her role. Numerous law enforcement officials swiftly detained the suspect due to their quick response.

 

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised Beckstrom's dedication to duty, sharing insights into her character and commitment. The shooting has stirred concern, especially given its proximity to key governmental buildings and the involvement of National Guard members on duty.

 

Looking forward, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic event. The condition of Wolfe, the other injured guardsman, remains critical. BBC reported that they anticipate further updates on his recovery and the legal proceedings against Lakanwal.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom has died following a DC shooting.
• Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition; Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been arrested.
• Incident occurred near the White House, enhancing security concerns.

 

Related story:

Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House: Officials

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-11-28

 

 

 

3 minutes ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of CNN

 

In a tragic turn of events in Washington DC, one National Guard member has died following a shooting near Farragut Square. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom. The US President confirmed her death during a Thanksgiving call with service members.

 

The shooting left another National Guard member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, in critical condition. Authorities reported that the shooting happened close to the White House, with both individuals on a high-visibility patrol in a bustling area known for its lunchtime crowd. A suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been apprehended for the attack. Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, was shot four times during his arrest and arrived in the US in 2021.

 

President Trump expressed his condolences, describing Ms Beckstrom as a "highly respected" guardsman. She had volunteered to serve in Washington over the Thanksgiving holiday period, showing dedication to her role. Numerous law enforcement officials swiftly detained the suspect due to their quick response.

 

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised Beckstrom's dedication to duty, sharing insights into her character and commitment. The shooting has stirred concern, especially given its proximity to key governmental buildings and the involvement of National Guard members on duty.

 

Looking forward, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic event. The condition of Wolfe, the other injured guardsman, remains critical. CNN reported that they anticipate further updates on his recovery and the legal proceedings against Lakanwal.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom has died following a DC shooting.
• Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition; Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been arrested.
• Incident occurred near the White House, enhancing security concerns.

 

Related story:

Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House: Officials

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-11-28

 

 

 

Very sad.

My heartfelt condolences to her family….why were these untrained amateurs sent in to do an unnecessary job???because trump needs the drama to feed his base lies…sad 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, was shot four times during his arrest and arrived in the US in 2021.

Shouldn't get help , let him bleed out.

Just now, FlorC said:

Shouldn't get help , let him bleed out.

Nice.  Why not try to find out what turned an ex-CIA operative into a terrorist?

RIP.  A 20 year old.  Such a waste of a potentially amazing future.  Hope the 24 year old gets through this.

1 hour ago, Tug said:

My heartfelt condolences to her family….why were these untrained amateurs sent in to do an unnecessary job???because trump needs the drama to feed his base lies…sad 

One of the basic principles of deploying troops in an urban internal security role (IS) is to avoid " high visibility", another is to make sure they have "mutual support".

2 hours ago, Tug said:

My heartfelt condolences to her family….why were these untrained amateurs sent in to do an unnecessary job???because trump needs the drama to feed his base lies…sad 

My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, the 20-year-old West Virginia National Guardsman who tragically died on November 27, 2025.

 

That said, the assertion that Beckstrom and her fellow Guardsmen were "untrained amateurs sent in to do an unnecessary job" for Trump's "drama" is not only factually inaccurate but undermines the professionalism and purpose of the National Guard.

 

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was a trained MP with 18 months of service, not an “untrained amateur.”

The D.C. Guard deployment is standard federal security protocol for high-threat periods, not “drama.”

The shooter was an Afghan national admitted under Biden’s 2021 program and granted asylum in 2025 – a real security failure that justified the troop surge.

Trump called her family personally and is considering attending her funeral – actions that honor her sacrifice, not exploit it.

Her death is tragic, but blaming the president for “unnecessary drama” ignores the facts and dishonors a professional soldier who volunteered to protect the capital.

2 hours ago, Tug said:

My heartfelt condolences to her family….why were these untrained amateurs sent in to do an unnecessary job???because trump needs the drama to feed his base lies…sad 

Amateurs? NG members are "amateurs"?

 

Her blood is on your hands too, America hater.

2 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Amateurs? NG members are "amateurs"?

 

Her blood is on your hands too, America hater.

What a silly comment...................😂

34 minutes ago, JAG said:

One of the basic principles of deploying troops in an urban internal security role (IS) is to avoid " high visibility", another is to make sure they have "mutual support".

There is an argument to be made that the National Guard is not specifically trained for high visibility policing unlike the police. In the case of high visibility patrol, the key tactic is saturation patrol with many officers in a specific area. Troops may not have the same knowledge nor instinct. 

53 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Amateurs? NG members are "amateurs"?

 

Her blood is on your hands too, America hater.

Nonsense and hatful just like you the broke monger….anyway on topic when have the national guard been trained in policing??never that’s when ok??furthermore the mission is unessary and is just drama for you and other blood suckers and haters of the American experiment like you no more no less.

32 minutes ago, Tug said:

Nonsense and hatful just like you the broke monger….anyway on topic when have the national guard been trained in policing??never that’s when ok??furthermore the mission is unessary and is just drama for you and other blood suckers and haters of the American experiment like you no more no less.

Is there an award for the longest sustained period of incoherent rage? If so I think our friend is in the running for it - getting on for 36 hours now!

 

What is really sad is that this young ladies utterly unnecessary death, brought about because she and her fellow soldiers were put into a role for which they were untrained, to satisfy a political vanity, has become an excuse for him to "go into one".

"The D.C. Guard deployment is standard federal security protocol for high-threat periods," And what is thew 'threat', exactly?

 

If she had only refused illegal orders, she'd be alive. ICE would have been more appropriate.

1 hour ago, Eric Loh said:

In the case of high visibility patrol, the key tactic is saturation patrol with many officers in a specific area. T

Expert in policing I see? Ever been involved in "high visibility" saturation patrol? Which jurisdiction and which district or precinct therein? Foot or vehicle? What statistics are used to determine how "high visibility is implemented? What legal rules cover "high visibility"? What are the ROE for the Guard here in DC?

 

You talk out your ass like so many of your ilk here. You make a place where folks can have a nice discussion into a sewer of hate

1 hour ago, Tug said:

broke monger

Spoken like wishes he hadnt of married that BJ bar girl years ago. Thats why shes smiling on the wedding cake

 

1 hour ago, Tug said:

nyway on topic when have the national guard been trained in policing?

Thats a joke question, right? What do you think policing is?

4 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Expert in policing I see? Ever been involved in "high visibility" saturation patrol? Which jurisdiction and which district or precinct therein? Foot or vehicle? What statistics are used to determine how "high visibility is implemented? What legal rules cover "high visibility"? What are the ROE for the Guard here in DC?

 

You talk out your ass like so many of your ilk here. You make a place where folks can have a nice discussion into a sewer of hate

 

That's you, comrade..........😒

Cambodia's Rambo wannabe.............😏

2 minutes ago, transam said:

 

That's you, comrade..........😒

Cambodia's Rambo wannabe.............😏

A country where you cant enter LOL

1 minute ago, Yagoda said:

A country where you cant enter LOL

Is that because I am not a Communist......?   🤫

 

10 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Expert in policing I see? Ever been involved in "high visibility" saturation patrol? Which jurisdiction and which district or precinct therein? Foot or vehicle? What statistics are used to determine how "high visibility is implemented? What legal rules cover "high visibility"? What are the ROE for the Guard here in DC?

 

You talk out your ass like so many of your ilk here. You make a place where folks can have a nice discussion into a sewer of hate

 

13 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Expert in policing I see? Ever been involved in "high visibility" saturation patrol? Which jurisdiction and which district or precinct therein? Foot or vehicle? What statistics are used to determine how "high visibility is implemented? What legal rules cover "high visibility"? What are the ROE for the Guard here in DC?

 

You talk out your ass like so many of your ilk here. You make a place where folks can have a nice discussion into a sewer of hate

Don't blame you for being upset. Just too many Maga bad news lately. Hang in there and keep your donation prompt. 

2 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Nice.  Why not try to find out what turned an ex-CIA operative into a terrorist?

Good idea.  Water boarding should work.

2 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

The shooter was an Afghan national admitted under Biden’s 2021 program and granted asylum in 2025 –

Why would you mention Biden and not Trump whose government granted asylum? You don't have an agenda, do you?

Just now, Eric Loh said:

 

Don't blame you for being upset. Just too many Maga bad news lately. Hang in there and keep your donation prompt. 

I cant get upset about the ignorant, only bemused. Your arguments are patheticly simplistic spews.

2 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Her blood is on your hands too, America hater.

Not America haters, fascist haters. Do try and keep up 

3 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

I cant get upset about the ignorant, only bemused. Your arguments are patheticly simplistic spews.

You've got some front using the word ignorant, comrade...........

2 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

I cant get upset about the ignorant, only bemused. Your arguments are patheticly simplistic spews.

My argument do need good thinking skill and an educated mind. Apologise for making it hard for you. 

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/national-guard-shooters-mental-problems-rooted-cia-death-squad-past-longtime-pal-shares-1758607

 

National Guard Shooter's Mental Problems Rooted in CIA 'Death Squad' Past: Longtime Pal Shares

On Thursday Patel was asked whether authorities missed any signs while granting asylum to Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national who is suspected to have carried out the Washington D.C shooting that critically injured two National Guardsmen.

 

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/national-guard-shooters-mental-problems-rooted-cia-death-squad-past-longtime-pal-shares-1758607

elect a clown expect a circus

This guy Tug should be on everyone's ignore list, if only because he is so illiterate.

 

Illiteracy, ipso facto, disqualifies a person from being taken seriously in a discussion thread like this.

2 minutes ago, blazes said:

This guy Tug should be on everyone's ignore list, if only because he is so illiterate.

 

Illiteracy, ipso facto, disqualifies a person from being taken seriously in a discussion thread like this.

Given a choice you are the one deserving to be ignored. He has a great reputation unlike you.