Suspect linked to CIA-backed Afghan unit; officials say attack appears to be lone-wolf assault.

Deadly Ambush Near the White House

A National Guard member died on Thursday after being shot near the White House in what investigators described as an ambush carried out by an Afghan national. The attack prompted President Donald Trump to order a sweeping review of asylum cases, which he linked to what he called vetting failures during the Biden administration.

The victim, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, succumbed to her injuries, while her fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, remained in critical condition. Officials confirmed that the shooting is being treated as a terrorism-related incident.

FBI Raids and Expanding Investigation

Federal agents conducted searches in multiple states, including a residence in Washington state connected to the suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, agents seized cellphones, laptops, iPads, and interviewed relatives as part of a broader counterterrorism probe.

Investigators say Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021, previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan unit before his resettlement.

Suspect’s Movements and the Attack

US Attorney for Washington, DC Jeanine Pirro said the suspect drove cross-country before ambushing the two Guard members as they patrolled near the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

Trump, addressing military personnel on Thanksgiving, condemned the attack as a “savage” act against service members deployed as part of the DC Task Force.

Immigration Debate Reignited

Trump blamed the incident on Biden-era immigration vetting, claiming the suspect was among thousands brought in without sufficient screening during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Officials, however, offered no evidence to support the claim.

Ironically, according to government records reviewed by Reuters, Lakanwal was granted asylum earlier this year under the Trump administration. Trump acknowledged this but argued that removing individuals once admitted is “very hard.”

Family Grief and National Shock

The father of the slain Guard member, Gary Beckstrom, expressed his devastation, writing that his daughter had “passed to glory.” Trump later spoke with the family by phone, a White House official confirmed.

Lone-Wolf Attack Assessment

Washington Metropolitan Police officials stated the suspect appeared to have acted alone. He lived with his wife and five children in Washington state.

When asked about the family’s immigration status, Trump said the administration was “looking at the whole situation.”

Policy Response and Legal Action

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced intentions to pursue terrorism charges and suggested the death penalty may be sought following Beckstrom’s death.

Within 24 hours of the attack, Trump officials initiated a comprehensive review of asylum approvals issued under the Biden administration and green cards granted to citizens from 19 countries.

Background on Suspect’s Entry to the US

Lakanwal arrived under Operation Allies Welcome, a 2021 program to resettle Afghans who had aided US forces.
A New York Times report identified him as part of Zero Units, CIA-supported Afghan paramilitary teams known for clandestine missions during the war.

Despite his background, US officials said he had no known criminal record.