URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump has confirmed that one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot by an Afghan national near the White House has tragically died. During a Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops, Trump revealed that Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, succumbed to her injuries, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is currently “fighting for his life.”
The incident occurred on November 24, 2023, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, opened fire. The shooter, who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, is in custody with non-life-threatening injuries.
This devastating event highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of U.S. troops and the complexities surrounding the resettlement of Afghan nationals. Trump criticized the program that facilitated the entry of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the implications of Lakanwal’s actions on the broader refugee community.
The National Guard members were on duty near the White House when the shooting took place, prompting immediate response from law enforcement. Officials have stated that Lakanwal is among approximately 76,000 Afghans who were brought to the U.S. after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
As the nation mourns Specialist Beckstrom’s death, the focus shifts to the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The military and government officials are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking news story.
