U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the unfortunate death of a National Guard member who was shot in an ambush near the White House by an Afghan national. This incident sparked criticism from the administration, pointing to alleged failures in immigration vetting procedures under the Biden administration. The attack has led to a comprehensive review of asylum cases.
The deceased guard member was identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, while her colleague, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, is currently in critical condition. Trump expressed his condolences during his first live address since the shooting, praising Beckstrom as a highly respected individual from West Virginia.
Authorities revealed that the two National Guard members were conducting a patrol outside a subway station when they were attacked without provocation by a lone gunman armed with a revolver. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was wounded during the incident and is currently under heavy guard in a hospital.
Lakanwal, who previously resided in Washington state, reportedly drove across the country to D.C. The FBI is conducting search warrants in Washington state and San Diego as part of a terrorism investigation. Meanwhile, the suspect had entered the U.S. under the Operation Allies Welcome program, aimed at resettling Afghan allies.
Following the tragic event, Trump called the attack an act of evil and terror, prompting a reevaluation of all Afghan nationals entering the country under the Biden administration. The Department of Homeland Security has initiated a review of asylum cases and green cards issued to citizens of 19 countries.
In response to the shooting, additional National Guard troops are set to be deployed in Washington, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing plans to send 500 more troops to the area. This decision comes amidst ongoing investigations into the motives behind the attack and the suspect’s background.