According to the preliminary reconstruction, Lakanwal approached from a corner, fired first at Beckstrom and then at her companion before attempting to continue the attack.
Sarah Beckstrom, who was shot yesterday in the attack perpetrated by the Muslim Rahmanullah Lakanwal, died from her injuries
According to the preliminary reconstruction, Lakanwal approached from a corner, fired first at Beckstrom and then at her companion before attempting to continue the attack.
West Virginia National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom, 20 years old, died after falling victim to an armed terrorist attack last Wednesday afternoon in an area near the White House.
Her death was publicly confirmed by President Donald Trump during a televised Thanksgiving message, in which he stated: "She just passed away. She is no longer with us."
Beckstrom and another National Guard member, Andrew Wolfe, were attacked around 2:15 p.m., just steps from the Farragut West station, when an armed Afghan national opened fire without apparent provocation. The attack occurred while the soldiers were performing security support duties in the area.
The cowardly assailant, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29 years old, was wounded and detained after being struck by return fire from other Guard members. Federal authorities confirmed that the Afghan arrived in the United States in 2021 as part of the "Operation Allies Welcome" program designed by Democrat Joe Biden, and was granted asylum in April 2025. He had no known criminal record.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a premeditated assault, not ruling out extremist motivations. For now, he faces charges of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a violent crime, which will certainly be expanded following the soldier's death.
President Trump and federal officials have described the attack as an "act of great cowardice," emphasizing that Beckstrom had volunteered to cover shifts during the holiday to allow other soldiers to spend Thanksgiving Day with their families.
Beckstrom's death has caused shock both in her community and within the National Guard, which has praised her service and dedication. As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking to clarify the motive for the attack and assess possible failures in security and control processes associated with resettlement programs.