National Guard Shooting in DC Sparks Major Immigration Policy Overhaul

A targeted shooting in Washington, D.C. has left one National Guard member dead and another critically wounded. The attack occurred near Farragut Square, just blocks from the White House. The incident has triggered an immediate and severe response from the highest levels of government.

According to DC Metropolitan Police, the suspect is an Afghan national who recently gained asylum. This detail has placed the nation’s immigration and vetting systems under a powerful new spotlight.

How the Attack Unfolded

The ambush happened on a weekday afternoon. Police say the gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, approached three Guardsmen on duty and opened fire with a revolver.

He specifically targeted Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. A third Guardsman returned fire, wounding the suspect. The area was swiftly secured by a massive law enforcement response.

Victims Remembered for Their Service

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was a military police officer from West Virginia. She died from her wounds after the attack. Friends and family describe her as a caring person with ambitions to join the FBI.

Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition following emergency surgery. His family has asked for prayers and expressed confidence in his fighting spirit. The West Virginia National Guard community is mourning the loss and supporting the injured.

Immediate Political and Policy Fallout

President Donald Trump announced a permanent pause on migration from what he termed “Third World Countries.” He cited the shooting as the direct reason for this significant policy shift. The administration is also reviewing all green cards and asylum cases from a list of nations of concern.

This move represents one of the most aggressive immigration crackdowns in recent history. The President stated these actions aim to achieve a major reduction in populations he considers illegal and disruptive.

Suspect’s Background and Vetting Scrutiny

The suspect arrived in the U.S. in 2021 through a program for Afghan allies. He had worked with the CIA during the war in Afghanistan. Officials confirmed he had passed multiple security vetting processes.

His subsequent approval for asylum in early 2025 is now a central focus of the federal investigation. Agencies have indefinitely suspended processing for Afghan immigrants while protocols are reviewed.

The National Guard shooting in DC has become a defining moment, reshaping policy and highlighting the human cost of national security decisions. The nation now watches as one Guardsman is laid to rest and another fights for his life.

Info at your fingertips

Who were the victims of the shooting?

The victims were Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who was critically injured. Both were members of the West Virginia National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C.

What is the suspect’s immigration status?

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who was granted asylum in the United States in April 2025. He had previously been vetted and admitted under the Operation Allies Welcome program.

What new policies did President Trump announce?

President Trump announced a permanent pause on migration from numerous countries, often referred to as “Third World Countries.” His administration is also reviewing all green cards and asylum cases approved under the previous administration.

How has the National Guard deployment been affected?

The administration is moving to overturn a prior court order that had temporarily halted the deployment of National Guard troops to D.C. Approximately 2,200 Guardsmen remain stationed in the capital.

What was the suspect’s background?

Rahmanullah Lakanwal previously worked with CIA Zero Units during the Afghanistan war. He assisted with security at the Kabul airport during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal before his resettlement.