Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old U.S. Army Specialist and dedicated National Guardsman from West Virginia, tragically lost her life after being shot in a targeted ambush near the White House. The incident, which has sparked national outrage and political debate over immigration and veteran safety, involved an Afghan refugee suspect. As President Donald Trump announced her death on Thanksgiving, Beckstrom’s story of courage, service, and selflessness has touched hearts across America. Here’s everything you need to know about Sarah Beckstrom.
Who Was Sarah Beckstrom?
Born and raised in Summersville, West Virginia, Sarah Beckstrom embodied the spirit of small-town America. A graduate of Webster County High School’s Class of 2023, she was remembered by her alma mater as a student who “always demonstrated the strength, character, and commitment that make our school and community proud.” Her high school shared a cherished graduation photo on social media, capturing her bright smile and promising future.
As per reports, beyond her military duties, Beckstrom was passionate about law enforcement and dreamed of a career with the FBI. She worked in military police roles and volunteered for extra shifts, including during the holidays.
The Tragic DC Shooting
On November 26, 2025, just blocks from the White House in downtown Washington, D.C., near Farragut Square, Beckstrom and fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, were ambushed in a brazen attack around 2:00 p.m. EST. The two West Virginia National Guard members were on duty, part of a deployment to secure the capital amid heightened tensions.
Described by U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro as a “brazen and targeted attack” by a “lone gunman,” the shooter fired at close range using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Beckstrom was struck down and shot again while on the ground, while Wolfe was hit multiple times. Both underwent emergency surgery and were initially listed in critical condition.
The suspect was quickly subdued after being shot by a nearby National Guard member. He remained hospitalized in “serious condition” as of November 27. The FBI is probing the incident as a potential “heinous act of terrorism,” though no motive has been confirmed.
President Trump broke the news of Beckstrom’s death during a Thanksgiving video call with U.S. troops from Mar-a-Lago on November 27. “Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person… has passed away,” he said, adding that Wolfe was “fighting for his life.” Trump later spoke directly with Beckstrom’s parents, offering condolences.
Joint Task Force District of Columbia Commander hailed her as “a hero,” noting, “Sarah Beckstrom came to the District from West Virginia to make our nation’s capital safe and beautiful.” FBI Director Kash Patel called her a “young soldier and patriot with her entire life ahead of her,” urging prayers for her loved ones.
The Suspect: Afghan Refugee Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s Shocking Background
The alleged gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who resided in Washington state. He entered the U.S. in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era humanitarian parole program that resettled over 200,000 Afghans who aided U.S. forces during the 20-year war.
Lakanwal, originally from Khost province in southeastern Afghanistan, had worked with U.S. government entities, including the CIA, as part of a partner force in Kandahar until the 2021 withdrawal. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed his ties, stating the Biden administration justified his entry “due to his prior work with the U.S. government, including CIA.” Despite vetting, including CIA clearance, questions now swirl about his radicalization—possibly after driving cross-country from Washington state to D.C.
Lakanwal faces initial charges of three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and firearm possession during a violent crime—carrying up to 15 years each. With Beckstrom’s death, charges could escalate to first-degree murder, potentially invoking the death penalty, as Trump has reinstated capital punishment for such cases. Pirro vowed, “There WILL BE JUSTICE for Sarah.”
