A shocking daytime ambush in Washington DC has left one National Guard hero dead and another in critical condition — and the suspect is an Afghan migrant who entered the country under President Biden’s widely criticized Operation Allies Welcome program. The attack is now igniting national outrage and raising major security questions.
President Donald Trump, who deployed Guard forces to stabilize DC during his tough anti-crime initiative, has already responded with force, ordering 500 additional troops to secure the capital.
Here is everything we know — and what investigators are still trying to uncover.
National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom Dies After Ambush
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, just 20, tragically died after Wednesday’s attack.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Both troops were deployed from the West Virginia National Guard as part of Trump’s strategy to regain control of crime-ridden DC. Nearly 2,200 Guard members from multiple states have been supporting the mission.
Beckstrom joined the Guard in 2023, while Wolfe had served since 2019. They were stationed in DC since August.
How the Attack Happened
According to officials, suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal carried out an ambush-style shooting with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver after driving across the country.
Surveillance video reportedly shows Lakanwal rounding a corner and opening fire immediately on the Guard members.
Troops returned fire and tackled the shooter to the ground. He survived his wounds and is now in custody.
Authorities say the motive remains unclear.
The Suspect: Afghan Migrant From Biden’s Controversial Evacuation Program
Lakanwal, 29, entered the country in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden program that rushed tens of thousands of Afghans into America after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.
Republicans have repeatedly warned the program lacked proper vetting — and this case is now fueling new scrutiny.
Before arriving in America, Lakanwal worked with Afghan Zero Units, CIA-backed paramilitary teams. Family members said he served as a team leader and GPS specialist.
He lived in Washington state with his wife and five children.
Charges include:
- Assault with intent to kill while armed
- Possessing a firearm during a violent crime
If Staff Sgt. Wolfe does not survive, charges will escalate to first-degree murder.
Trump Responds: 500 More National Guard Troops Headed to DC
President Trump announced he is sending an additional 500 National Guard troops to reinforce security in DC.
States currently contributing forces include:
- West Virginia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Alabama
A federal judge recently attempted to halt the deployment, but the ruling is paused for 21 days — and the attack may dramatically reshape the legal and political battle.