Sarah Beckstrom, 20-year-old National Guard soldier critically wounded in DC terror attack, has mortal injury according to father – latest on shooting that targeted her and Andrew Wolfe.
Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old specialist with the West Virginia National Guard, remains in critical condition following a targeted shooting in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 2025. The attack, described by authorities as an ambush just blocks from the White House, has been classified as an act of terrorism by the FBI. Beckstrom and fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, were both shot multiple times while on patrol duty.
Beckstrom had volunteered to serve in the nation’s capital over the Thanksgiving holiday, allowing others to spend time with their families. She was sworn into her deployment less than 24 hours before the incident occurred. The young soldier underwent emergency surgery and is now fighting for her life in a D.C. hospital.
In a heartbreaking update on November 27, 2025, Beckstrom’s father, Gary Beckstrom, spoke to The New York Times from her hospital room. He stated that his daughter had suffered a mortal wound. “I’m holding her hand right now. She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery,” he told the newspaper.
The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021, allegedly drove across the country from Washington state to carry out the attack. Authorities report that Lakanwal had previously worked with a CIA-partner force in Afghanistan before being evacuated during Operation Allies Welcome. He was taken into custody at the scene and faces federal charges.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has named the two National Guardsmen shot in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan assailant as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, both from West Virginia.
Pirro also confirmed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces the death penalty if either of the… pic.twitter.com/W58yahZKFY
— ᴰⁱᵍⁱ Gal (@DigitalGalX) November 27, 2025
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro described the incident as a “brazen, targeted attack” during a press conference on November 27. Both victims were ambushed while walking in uniform in broad daylight. The shooting has prompted an extensive FBI investigation, with agents executing search warrants at properties connected to the suspect.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation following the attack, calling it an “act of terror” and an “evil” crime. He ordered an immediate review of all Afghan entrants from the 2021 evacuation period. The administration has since suspended all pending Afghan immigration requests.
Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of a West Virginia National Guard contingent deployed to Washington, D.C. for routine security duties. They had been in the city for approximately three months prior to the shooting. Fellow service members and officials have expressed profound shock at the targeted nature of the violence against uniformed personnel on American soil.
Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted Beckstrom’s selfless service during remarks on November 27. She noted that the young Guardsman had specifically volunteered to work during the holiday period. Bondi described the attack as particularly heinous given that it targeted individuals protecting the capital.
As of Thanksgiving Day 2025, both Beckstrom and Wolfe remain in critical condition following surgery. Medical teams continue to fight to save their lives. The Beckstrom family has requested privacy during this difficult time while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from across the nation.
The incident has reignited national debates about veteran resettlement programs and security screening processes from the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the terrorism investigation is active and coast-to-coast in scope. Authorities continue to examine the suspect’s motives and potential connections.
West Virginia officials have expressed devastation over the attack on two of their own. Governor Jim Justice issued a statement calling Beckstrom and Wolfe “true heroes” who were simply doing their duty. The entire National Guard community has rallied around the injured soldiers and their families.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. on November 26 in a busy area of the capital. Quick response from law enforcement and medical personnel prevented further casualties. The rapid identification and arrest of the suspect has been credited to alert officers in the vicinity.
Sarah Beckstrom’s condition remains the most dire of the two victims, according to her father’s statement. The 20-year-old soldier’s struggle for survival has captured national attention on Thanksgiving Day. Thousands of Americans have expressed prayers and support for her recovery across social media platforms.