Two members of the West Virginia National Guard remain in critical condition after they were shot in a “brazen” ambush-style attack just blocks from the White House on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The shooting prompted an immediate law-enforcement response, the arrest of a suspect and an expanding federal investigation.
Officials have identified the wounded service members as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both were taken to area hospitals where they are being treated for life-threatening injuries, according to the Department of Justice and other officials.
The suspect, named by law enforcement as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was shot during a “back-and-forth” with officers at the scene and is in custody with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. Authorities said they were treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism and that the FBI had launched searches and seizures, including raids on properties in Washington state and California as part of its probe.
Federal prosecutors brought initial charges including assault with intent to kill and unlawful possession of a firearm, with officials saying additional charges — possibly including murder or terrorism enhancements — could follow if either of the Guard members dies. Investigators told reporters they had not yet determined a motive.
The attack has already become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration and vetting of evacuees. Several senior administration officials and political leaders pointed to the suspect’s background — described in some reports as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in recent years — when calling for tougher screening and immigration reviews. Advocates and some community leaders warned against politicizing the investigation before facts are established.
In response to the shooting, officials said the federal government was increasing troop presence in the capital. The Department of Defense and the administration announced plans to deploy additional National Guard personnel to Washington for an immediate security surge while the investigation continues.
Washington law-enforcement officials and the FBI urged witnesses with information or video from the area to come forward as the probe proceeds. Police said the scene — a bus stop and nearby streets within sight of the White House — remained an active crime scene while forensic and digital evidence were collected. Officials promised updates as more evidence is developed and emphasized the ongoing nature of the federal investigation.
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