The suspect accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard soldiers near the White House is now facing an upgraded charge of first-degree murder after one of the victims died, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia confirmed on Friday. The case has added to political tension and raised more questions about who the shooter is and why he opened fire, with investigators saying they still have not identified a clear motive.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot on Wednesday while deployed in Washington as part of President Donald Trump’s law-and-order initiative that placed the D.C. Metropolitan Police under federal oversight. Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thursday night, while Wolfe remains in extremely critical condition.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that the accused gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, now faces first-degree murder in addition to two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. She said investigators are executing search warrants in Washington state, where Lakanwal lived, as well as in other parts of the country as authorities try to piece together a motive.
President Trump has described the shooting as an act of terrorism and pointed to the incident as proof that Afghan refugees should never have been admitted to the United States. He renewed his demand for large-scale deportations and ordered a broad review of refugees who entered under Operation Allies Welcome after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met troops stationed in Washington on Friday, leading them in a prayer for the victims. He described Beckstrom as an extraordinary young woman and patriot who was “brutally targeted” while serving her country. Hegseth also visited Wolfe at the hospital on Thursday night, praying for his recovery. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey ordered flags lowered to half-staff to honor both soldiers.
Lakanwal, an Afghan national, had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Neighbors described him as quiet and respectful and said he abruptly left home roughly two weeks ago. Amazon confirmed he briefly worked as an independent delivery contractor last summer. He entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome but ultimately received asylum during the Trump administration. His documented background includes service in a CIA-backed Afghan paramilitary force known as a Zero Unit, where he reportedly began as a guard before becoming a team leader and GPS specialist. Zero Units played a direct combat role during the war and were prominent during the final days at Kabul airport in 2021, though they have also faced human-rights allegations.
Federal investigators are now examining his digital trail, interviewing relatives and acquaintances, and reviewing his personal and professional history to determine what may have triggered the attack. Prosecutors say additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
