Details Unfold in Fatal Shooting of Two National Guard Members

Bassyonni

ago 30 minutes

Recent developments have emerged in the tragic fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred close to the White House and has raised serious concerns about the safety of military personnel.

Details Unfold in Fatal Shooting of Two National Guard Members

The attack took place on November 26, when U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were on patrol near the intersection of 17th and I Streets in full uniform. Both members suffered critical gunshot wounds to the head.

Incident Overview

According to a complaint filed by Metropolitan Police Department Detective Joshua Branson, gunfire erupted around 2:13 p.m. while Beckstrom and Wolfe were conversing with two Army National Guard majors. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the assailant, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, shooting while shouting “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is greatest.”

Surveillance footage captured Lakanwal prior to the shooting, standing outside the Farragut West Metro station. After the gunfire, both National Guard members were found unresponsive and transported to hospitals in critical condition.

Immediate Response

Witnesses, including military officers, quickly intervened during the chaos.
One witness engaged Lakanwal using his service weapon, resulting in a gunfight.
Lakanwal was shot during this exchange and subsequently apprehended.

Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries the following day, November 27. An autopsy confirmed she died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Legal Proceedings

Lakanwal attended his initial court appearance virtually from a hospital bed on December 2. He faces multiple charges, including murder and assault with intent to kill, as well as possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

This tragic event highlights the risks facing military personnel even while on duty. The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of Spc. Beckstrom and hopes for the recovery of Staff Sgt. Wolfe.