Two National Guardsmen wounded in a shooting incident in Washington DC have been identified as Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Backstrom, 20. The attack, described as an “act of terror” by former President Donald Trump, was allegedly carried out by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021.
Following Trump’s condemnation of the attack, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a halt on processing immigration cases related to Afghan immigrants until further review.
The West Virginia National Guard provided more details about the two injured Guard members. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, joined the Guard on June 26, 2023, and was part of the 863rd Military Police Company, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, enlisted on February 5, 2019, and served in the Force Support Squadron.
Both Guard members had been stationed in Washington DC since August as part of their mission. Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed her intention to seek the death penalty for the alleged shooter.
Wolfe, one of the wounded Guardsmen, is 24 years old and remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery. Lakanwal, the suspect, reportedly traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack near the White House.
Lakanwal, admitted to the US under Operation Allies Welcome, had applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted it earlier this year. More than 190,000 Afghans have resettled in the US through this program.
The shooting prompted a temporary halt in incoming flights to Reagan Washington National Airport. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for prayers for the wounded Guardsmen and thanked law enforcement for their swift actions.
The investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities confirming that both National Guard members are in critical condition. The incident has reignited debates about the National Guard’s presence in the capital and raised concerns about security protocols.