One of the two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in Washington, D.C., has died, according to Gov. Patrick Morrisey. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died Thursday after being hospitalized in critical condition following the shooting shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday near the Farragut Square Metro Station, blocks from the White House, according to Morrisey. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito released a statement following Beckstrom’s passing, saying “I am heartbroken to learn that one of our own, Sarah Beckstrom, has tragically passed away following yesterday’s horrific attack in D.C.,” Capito contunued. “This is a devastating loss for her family, her fellow Guardsmen, and for our entire state. West Virginians proudly stand behind our men and women in uniform, and tonight we mourn alongside those who loved and served.
Law enforcement officials identified the gunman who shot two National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Officials said he is from Afghanistan and came to the U.S. in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, an effort coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security to support vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked alongside U.S. military operations in the region. Lakanwal lives in Washington State and drove across the country to D.C. He lived at his Bellingham home with his wife and five children, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.. All individuals at the Bellingham home have been interviewed and interviews of people in San Diego who have potential relations to Lakanwal are also being conducted. “This is a coast to coast investigation being led right here in Washington, D.C.,” Pirro said.
Authorities announced preliminary charges for Lakanwal, including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. One of the charges carries a possible 15-year sentence, and additional charges may follow. While investigations said they are not ready to reveal a motive, President Trump said the shooting was an “act of terror.”