White House Shooting: Ambush-Style Incident

An Afghan national who was admitted to the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome is the suspect in a shooting incident that occurred in Washington, D.C., on November 26, 2025. The attack, which authorities have described as an ambush-style incident, targeted two West Virginia National Guard members deployed to the capital. The event has led to one fatality, one critical injury, and has prompted a review of immigration vetting procedures and a political response regarding border security.

Story Highlights

An Afghan national, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly opened fire on two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., on November 26, 2025.
One Guard member, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, was killed, and the other, Andrew Wolfe, was critically wounded.
Footage reportedly shows a responding National Guardsman returning fire within seconds, neutralizing the threat.
The suspect, Lakanwal, reportedly worked with the CIA and U.S. military in Afghanistan and was admitted to the U.S. in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome.
The incident has raised concerns regarding the background vetting of individuals with prior government connections who are resettled in the U.S.
President Trump announced a policy of permanent pause on immigration from “third-world countries” and a vow to terminate illegal entries admitted under the previous administration.

Incident Details: National Guard Members Shot in D.C.

On November 26, 2025, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two members of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C. The service members were reportedly on a routine patrol at the time. Newly released footage, reported by the Wall Street Journal, shows a responding National Guardsman engaging the suspect approximately five seconds after the initial shots were fired. This decisive action is credited with preventing additional casualties. Tragically, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was confirmed deceased on November 28, 2025. The second National Guard member, Andrew Wolfe, remains critically wounded.

COLOR REVOLUTION: The Afghan shooter used a revolver and yelled Allahu akbar during the attack, with one unarmed Guardsman stabbing him with a pocket knife and another returning fire and stopping him. pic.twitter.com/JAOVlZ4N4Q

— @amuse (@amuse) November 27, 2025

Suspect’s Background and Vetting Questions

Rahmanullah Lakanwal arrived in the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program established for the resettlement of Afghan allies. According to statements from CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Lakanwal had prior connections to U.S. government agencies, including the CIA, through work supporting military operations in Afghanistan. His admission to the country, despite these undisclosed background concerns, has exposed what some officials describe as systemic failures in the vetting process for Afghan resettlement.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that charges against Lakanwal have been upgraded to first-degree murder, and she intends to pursue the death penalty. Authorities allege Lakanwal drove across the country from his residence in Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack near the White House. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that search warrants are being executed in Washington D.C., Bellingham, and San Diego as investigators work to determine Lakanwal’s motive and any potential connections.

Government Response

The incident has prompted a swift policy response. President Trump announced a permanent pause on immigration from all “third-world countries” and stated a plan to terminate all illegal entries admitted under the previous administration.

Officials and lawmakers are demanding transparency and accountability from federal immigration and security agencies. Core questions that remain under investigation include: how an individual with prior U.S. government connections passed background checks, the specific trigger for Lakanwal’s alleged attack, whether he acted alone, and the protocols for ongoing monitoring of individuals admitted under emergency resettlement programs.

Watch the report: LIVE: Kash Patel Reveals Shocking Details About Afghan National Who Shot National Guards in D.C