DC National Guard Shooting: Suspect’s CIA-Afghanistan History, Victims Sarah Beckstrom & Andrew Wolfe might sound like breaking-news jargon, but beneath the surface lies a story of war, resettlement, national security — and heartbreaking loss that challenges how we think about trust, vetting and protection in the U.S. With the right context, you can better understand what happened, why it matters — and what it reveals about the fragile line between safety and vulnerability.
Here’s what I’m going to walk you through: the full timeline of the 2025 Washington, D.C., National Guard shooting; who the victims were (Sarah Beckstrom & Andrew Wolfe); who the suspect is (Rahmanullah Lakanwal) — including his history tied to the CIA and Afghanistan; what we know (and don’t) about motive; and why this shooting is more than just a crime — it’s a flashpoint for immigration, security, and public-trust debates.
A Painful Thanksgiving in D.C. — What Went Down
It was the afternoon of November 26, 2025, near the Farragut West metro station — just two blocks from the White House. Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were on patrol when a man approached and opened fire.
- The victims were identified as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20 and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24.
- According to officials, the attack was “ambush-style” — the gunman struck without warning, fired multiple shots, and both Guardsmen were hit in the head. At least one of them returned fire.
- The suspect himself was wounded and taken into custody. Authorities believe he acted alone.
The timing was especially grim: both soldiers were reportedly sworn in or deputized less than 24 hours before the shooting.
By the next day, the worst was confirmed: Sarah Beckstrom had died of her injuries. Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Who Were the Victims — Real People, Real Lives
Sarah Beckstrom
- 20 years old, from Webster Springs, West Virginia.
- Joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in June 2023; assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade.
- She had only recently been tasked for patrol duty in D.C. after the broader National Guard deployment.
Andrew Wolfe
- 24 years old, from Martinsburg, West Virginia.
- Served in the West Virginia Air National Guard: Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing. Enlisted in 2019.
- Like Beckstrom, he was part of the D.C. deployment — making the shooting especially tragic given their status as recently deployed, young servicemembers.
They weren’t just names. They were young people, stepping forward at a moment of national tension to serve — and lost the most basic right to life.
Enter the Suspect: From Afghanistan to D.C. — The Story of Rahmanullah Lakanwal
The man accused of carrying out the attack is Rahmanullah Lakanwal — a 29-year-old Afghan national who, according to U.S. intelligence and law-enforcement sources, previously worked with the CIA.
His Background: The “CIA-Afghanistan Suspect” Tag Is Real
- Before coming to the U.S., Lakanwal served in a CIA-backed paramilitary Afghan Army unit known as the “Zero Units.” These units were part of a broader security apparatus used during the U.S. war in Afghanistan.
- Details remain sparse — the CIA confirmed his affiliation but declined to elaborate on what his role entailed.
His Path to the U.S.
- Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under the refugee and evacuation-relief program launched after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- He applied for asylum in December 2024; his asylum was approved in April 2025, during the current administration (despite initial entry under the prior administration).
- At the time of the shooting, Lakanwal reportedly lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and children.
The Alleged Attack: From Washington State to Washington, D.C.
What makes this case shocking and hard to believe: Lakanwal didn’t just act locally. According to the official account, he drove across the country from Washington state — fully premeditated — to carry out the attack in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Armed with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, he approached the guardsmen near the Farragut West Metro station, opened fire, then attempted to continue shooting even after one victim went down — until other guards converged and subdued him.
Why It Matters — Beyond the Headlines
This is more than a shooting. It’s a moment that touches on trust, policy, and the fragility of security.
Vetting & Resettlement Under Scrutiny
The fact that the suspect had previously worked with CIA-backed forces — yet later entered the U.S. under a resettlement program — raises urgent questions about the vetting processes for asylum seekers and refugees. After the attack:
- U.S. immigration authorities halted all new Afghan immigration requests pending review.
- Government officials, including the CIA Director, criticized the decision to admit the suspect — saying someone with his background “should never have been allowed to come here.”
The National Guard on American Streets — Balance of Safety & Risk
The shooting occurred against the backdrop of a controversial deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to D.C. earlier this year — part of a broader “crime-fighting” domestic-military strategy.
For many Americans, the incident underscores the tension between using military/paramilitary personnel for domestic security and the risks inherent if resettled individuals with troubled or complicated pasts are involved.
Exploitation of War-Era Alliances & Legacy of Conflict
That Lakanwal once served with U.S.-backed forces highlights an uncomfortable truth: war-zone alliances are messy, and the people involved often have histories that are difficult to fully parse or trust — especially years later.
Seen from a broader lens, this shooting becomes a grim symbol. One where the costs of war, displacement, resettlement, asylum, and security policies converge — sometimes with fatal consequences.
What We Do Know — And What Remains Unclear
Confirmed Facts
- The shooting occurred on Nov 26, 2025 near Farragut West station, D.C.
- Victims are Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. Beckstrom died; Wolfe critically injured.
- The suspect is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national previously affiliated with CIA-backed Afghan forces.
- He immigrated under the 2021 evacuation-resettlement program; applied for asylum; was granted asylum in 2025.
- Authorities say he drove from Washington state to D.C. with intent to commit the attack.
- He used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver during the ambush.
- Prosecutors have charged him with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence — but charges could be upgraded to murder if Wolfe does not survive.
What Remains Unclear
- Motive: Authorities have not identified a clear motive for the attack. As of now, they say they have “no information” about why Lakanwal targeted the Guardsmen.
- Mental health or trauma: There are unverified reports (from sources in Afghanistan) that he had mental-health issues or was disturbed by his past service in the Afghan unit — but these remain anecdotal and unconfirmed.
- Any broader network or accomplices: As of now, investigators consider him the sole gunman, but they are conducting a nationwide investigation, including searches in his home state and contacts overseas.
What This Means for U.S. Policy, Security — and All of Us
Reassessing Vetting & Asylum Policies
This attack will almost certainly trigger renewed scrutiny over how the U.S. vets former Afghan allies brought in under emergency resettlement programs. If someone who once worked with U.S. forces can commit such an act, policymakers and the public may demand tighter oversight, more background checks, or even suspension of similar admissions.
For many refugees and asylum seekers who fled danger — including those who genuinely helped the U.S. — this could mean longer delays, deeper screening, and continuing uncertainty.
Risk vs. Reward of Domestic Military Deployments
Using National Guard troops in civilian policing or security roles carries inherent risk — including from unexpected, unpredictable threats. This shooting is a grim reminder that when you blend military deployments with domestic law enforcement, stakes can become deadly — even in daylight, near centers of power.
The Human Cost — Loss, Mourning, Fear
Behind every policy argument are real people. Families now mourning a daughter and a son. Communities trying to understand. And citizens grappling with insecurity in a city long held as symbolic of American power and safety.
Whether you lean this way or that in debates over immigration or security — the tragedy demands empathy, sober consideration, and action grounded in humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What exactly is the “DC National Guard Shooting”?
A: It refers to the November 26, 2025 ambush-style attack near the White House in Washington, D.C., where two West Virginia National Guard members were shot by a suspect identified as an Afghan national.
Q: Who was the suspect and why is his CIA-Afghanistan history relevant?
A: The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had served in a CIA-backed Afghan paramilitary unit during the U.S. war in Afghanistan. That history is relevant because it raises serious questions about vetting and resettlement protocols when such individuals are admitted into the U.S. under asylum programs.
Q: Were Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe active duty or recently deployed?
A: They were part of the West Virginia National Guard and had been deployed to D.C. since August 2025 — as part of a federal National Guard mission. Beckstrom had joined in 2023; Wolfe in 2019.
Q: Did authorities explain why the shooting happened?
A: No. As of now, there is no publicly confirmed motive for the attack. Investigators have labeled the shooting “brazen” and “targeted,” and describe it as a “terrorism investigation,” but have not tied it to any wider group or ideology.
Q: What consequences might this incident have for U.S. immigration or asylum policies?
A: The shooting has already prompted a freeze on new Afghan immigration requests and could lead to stricter vetting procedures. It may also influence public opinion and legislative action on refugee resettlement and national security screening.
Conclusion: Reflection — Why This Story Should Matter to Every American
I don’t want this to be just another headline that fades tomorrow. It’s the kind of crisis that asks us hard questions: How do we welcome those who once fought alongside us — without compromising security? Can we balance compassion with caution? And as we ask those questions, how do we honor the memory of lives lost, and protect those still serving?
I hope reading this helps you grasp not just the facts — but the weight behind them. Because stories like this don’t just reflect the times we live in. They shape them.
Now that you’ve seen the bigger picture — don’t look away. Watch what happens next. Demand clarity. And demand justice for those who sacrificed to keep us safe.