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Female National Guard member dies after ‘targeted shooting’ near White House; suspect allegedly shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’

According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the attacker entered the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration.

By Jewish Breaking News

President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday, has died from her wounds.

Beckstrom, just 20 years old, had volunteered to work the holiday shift so that other Guardsmen could spend Thanksgiving with their families, according to officials.

Calling her a “highly respected, young, magnificent person,” Trump said, “She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. It’s just happened.”

The second Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. “The other young man is fighting for his life,” Trump said. “He’s in very bad shape.”

The attack occurred around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station. Witnesses reported hearing an initial shot, followed by several more, and said the assailant shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ as he opened fire.

According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly drove across the country from Washington state before carrying out what officials described as a targeted ambush.

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Pirro said the Afghan national opened fire with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver at close range.

Lakanwal will face multiple charges, including assault with intent to harm and criminal possession of a weapon, though prosecutors noted that the charges could be upgraded following Beckstrom’s death.

Federal officials say the motive is still under investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel described the case as an “ongoing investigation of terrorism.”

Agents searched the suspect’s home in Bellingham, Washington, and conducted additional interviews in San Diego as part of the widening probe.

According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration.

He applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted that status in April of this year under the Trump administration.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. government forces in Kandahar prior to the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump, in a video statement Wednesday night, condemned the shooting as an “act of hatred” and ordered a full reexamination of all Afghan nationals admitted to the U.S. under the Biden administration.

He also ordered an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C.

Trump had planned to make Thanksgiving calls to U.S. service members Thursday night. It was not immediately clear if he would speak with any National Guard units following the deadly attack.