In a sombre Thanksgiving address to U.S. service members, President Donald Trump confirmed that one of the two National Guard soldiers wounded in the shooting near the White House earlier this week has died from her injuries.
The attack, which unfolded just blocks from the presidential residence, continues to be investigated as a targeted assault.
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom Identified As Deceased Soldier
Trump revealed that the fallen soldier was U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a young service member from West Virginia who had enlisted in June 2023.
“Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia… highly respected, young, magnificent person… outstanding in every way. She’s just passed away,” Trump said, according to CNN.
“She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now.”
The President went on to say that the second victim, 24-year-old National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
“The other young man is fighting for his life… He’s in very bad shape… hopefully we’ll get better news,” Trump added.
President Condemns Attack as ‘Act of Terror’
Earlier, Trump had denounced the shooting—carried out at close range in central Washington—as a “horrific assault.”
Calling it “an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror,” he said the attack was a crime against both the nation and humanity. “The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginian National Guard and their families,” he stated.
Suspect Identified as Afghan National
Authorities have identified the accused gunman as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. Officials believe he acted alone.
Trump sharply criticised the Biden-era immigration policies he claims allowed the suspect to enter the country in 2021 during the Afghanistan evacuations, referring to Afghanistan as a “hellhole.”
“Earlier today… two members of the National Guard serving in Washington DC were shot at point-blank range in a monstrous, ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House,” Trump said.
Investigation Continues
The shooting, which took place a day before Thanksgiving near a busy metro station, triggered an immediate federal response. Agencies are examining the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
Trump said the nation was facing the tragedy with both mourning and resolve:
“We’re filled with righteous anger and ferocious resolve.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more details as the case develops.
