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National Guard Soldier Killed Near White House in Targeted Attack as FBI Opens Terrorism Probe

The administration froze Afghan immigration processing following the shooting.

Overview

  • Authorities said one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot near Farragut Square, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, has died, and the second remains in critical condition.
  • Police described a lone gunman who opened fire on foot-patrolling Guard members before being subdued by other troops, and officials said the attack appeared targeted.
  • The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who arrived in 2021 after working with U.S. forces, is hospitalized in custody; prosecutors said he faces three counts of assault with intent to kill.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel announced a federal terrorism investigation, and officials said no motive has been determined publicly.
  • USCIS suspended processing of Afghan immigration requests and the Pentagon ordered 500 additional troops to Washington, steps that follow ongoing legal and political disputes over the Guard deployments.