Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Washington DC on Wednesday as two National Guard soldiers were shot near Farragut Square. The attack resulted in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, while her colleague, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, is critically injured. The shooting took place shortly after 2:00 PM EST in downtown Washington, close to the notable White House.
Law enforcement swiftly apprehended the suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, who was reportedly shot four times during his arrest. Lakanwal had entered the United States in 2021 through a special immigration program aimed at Afghans following the US withdrawal. He is now facing charges of armed assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that her office will pursue the death penalty, labeling the suspect as a "monster who should not have been in our country."
Sarah Beckstrom, hailing from West Virginia, had enlisted in the Army National Guard in June 2023 and was serving with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, actively volunteering to work during the Thanksgiving holiday. President Donald Trump acknowledged her sacrifice during a call with service members and later reached out to her grieving family. Senator Jim Justice extended his condolences, stating that the nation’s thoughts are with Beckstrom’s family and Andrew Wolfe in this tragic time.
The suspect, Lakanwal, had prior experience working with US forces in Afghanistan, associated with the CIA-linked Kandahar Strike Force, also known as the Scorpion Forces. He played a role in GPS operations and secured US troops at Kabul airport amid the chaotic 2021 evacuation. Lakanwal had applied for asylum in 2024, which was approved earlier this year.
In light of this incident, the US government is conducting a review of green cards for individuals from 19 countries, including Afghanistan. Joseph Edlow, head of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, shared that President Trump has initiated a “full scale, rigorous re-examination” of these green cards to reinforce national security. This review arises amidst growing concerns following the Washington attack, revealing the administration's commitment to securing immigration protocols.
The event has sparked significant discourse on the screening of immigrants entering the US through specialized programs, generating demands for stricter immigration and security policies. National Guard personnel are actively deployed across crucial areas in Washington DC to safeguard the capital while investigations into the suspect's motives continue.
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