National Guard Shooting in DC: Eyewitness Footage Reveals Deadly Ambush
Dramatic eyewitness video has emerged capturing the harrowing moments of a brazen daylight attack in Washington, D.C. that left one National Guard member dead and another fighting for his life. The footage, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, shows a terrifying scene unfolding just blocks from the White House as a gunman confronted two West Virginia National Guard members. The video reveals a man in dark clothing, apparently holding a revolver, as the Guardsmen desperately scramble for cover. One soldier can be seen sprinting around a corner before returning fire. This heartbreaking incident has shaken not only the military community but the nation as a whole, putting a spotlight on the dangers faced by those serving in uniform, even on American soil.
The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. on 17th Street NW near Farragut West Metro Station, roughly three blocks north of the White House. According to federal charging documents, the assailant fired between 10 and 15 rounds with a .357 revolver before one of the soldiers managed to return fire, striking the suspect and ending the ambush. The brief but violent encounter left Specialist Sarah Beckstrom mortally wounded – she would later die from her injuries on Thursday – while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically injured and remains hospitalized. The video briefly captures the fallen troops lying on the sidewalk, a stark reminder of the sudden violence that erupted on a normal day in the nation’s capital.
Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been identified as the suspect in this shocking attack. According to officials, Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration’s Afghan evacuation and resettlement program. Prosecutors note that he traveled across the country shortly before the attack and had no prior criminal record. Now facing serious charges including first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, Lakanwal’s case has taken on national significance. Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that the Department of Justice intends to seek the death penalty, underscoring the gravity with which federal authorities view this attack on military personnel.
The victims of this tragedy, Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe, were serving as part of the West Virginia National Guard deployment to Washington, D.C. Their mission stemmed from President Trump’s executive order aimed at tackling crime in the nation’s capital. The attack has resonated deeply in West Virginia, where both Guardsmen hail from. Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., shared on “FOX & Friends Weekend” that Wolfe is “hanging on,” and that his family is calling for prayers from across the nation. “His father is a deputy sheriff in the county next to mine, and Andy wanted to follow in those footsteps and serve his nation as a National Guardsman,” Moore explained, painting a picture of a dedicated young man committed to serving both his community and country.
The aftermath of the shooting has united many in prayer and solidarity for Staff Sgt. Wolfe, who continues to fight for his life. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey emphasized the severity of Wolfe’s condition, describing it as “very serious” while noting that his family is seeking prayers “from all across the country, all across the globe, to help him recover.” The governor highlighted the special relationship West Virginians have with their National Guard, explaining, “West Virginia cares very deeply about its Guard. And there’s just a proud tradition of West Virginians who step up for military service. So when something like this happens, it’s really a gut punch to the communities.” These words capture the profound impact this tragedy has had not just on the families directly affected, but on entire communities who feel connected to those who serve.
As the nation grapples with this shocking attack, there are calls for justice and answers about how such violence could occur so close to the White House. Governor Morrisey articulated what many are feeling when he stated, “Most importantly, we need justice to be served. That’s critical. I think West Virginians are counting on that. Americans are counting on that.” The tragic loss of Specialist Beckstrom and the critical injuries sustained by Staff Sgt. Wolfe have prompted reflection on the risks faced by National Guard members, who serve both in overseas deployments and in domestic missions. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, and the unexpected dangers they may encounter even when serving on American soil. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings begin, many Americans remain united in their support for the victims, their families, and the broader National Guard community that has been so deeply affected by this senseless violence.
