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The madman accused of shooting two National Guard troops in Washington, DC, last week was likely “radicalized” after he came to the US, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revealed. Afghan Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, who previously worked on one of the CIA’s “Zero Units” in Afghanistan before being allowed into the US in 2021, was arrested last Wednesday for the shooting rampage, which killed one National Guard troop and critically wounded another. “I will say we believe he was radicalized since he’s been here in this country,” Noem told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. “We do believe it was...

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., former chair of the Democratic National Committee, suggested Friday that President Donald Trump is to blame for the death of a member of the National Guard. Multiple left-wing commentators argued that the ambush-style shooting of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe Wednesday only happened because of Trump’s orders to station the National Guard in US cities. On Friday, as the nation was still reeling from the shooting, CNN host Sara Sidner spoke to Schultz about the tragic incident. The shooting, Schultz said, “begs the question, would an individual have flown across the...

President Donald Trump has not dismissed the possibility of deporting the family of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan refugee charged with the ambush murder of a National Guard soldier near the White House. Speaking to reporters on Thanksgiving, Trump revealed his team is actively reviewing the option, stating, “Well, we’re looking at that right now,” when asked about expelling Lakanwal’s wife and five children from the U.S. Lakanwal opened fire on two unarmed West Virginia National Guard members patrolling near the White House on Wednesday as part of “Operation DC Safe and Beautiful” to curb rising crime in the capital....

A dignified transfer procession was held on behalf of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, who was fatally shot the day before Thanksgiving. Although she was treated at the hospital, she died on the holiday. The suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who has been charged with the shooting of Beckstrom as well as Andrew Wolfe, and was hit with a first-degree murder count after Beckstrom's death. The FBI is investigating the targeted shooting as an act of terrorism. On Thanksgiving evening, first responders in Washington, DC conducted a dignified transfer of Beckstrom's body from Medstar Hospital. EMS, firefighters,...

If enacted on a long-term basis, the change would significantly shift the way National Guard troops have worked with law enforcement in the District since their arrival.National Guard troops patrolling in D.C. will be paired with local law enforcement personnel, at least temporarily, in the wake of the Wednesday attack that killed one troop and critically injured another, according to an email obtained by The Washington Post and two D.C. police officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss planning that is still in progress.“Officers will conduct high-visibility patrols with the National Guard and provide assistance as needed,”...

Just heartbreaking news.Moments ago, President Donald Trump announced that Sarah Beckstrom, one of two members of the National Guard who were shot in a terrorist attack on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., has tragically passed away from her injuries.God Speed Sarah Beckstrom.The 20 year old West Virginia National Guard member succumbed to gunshot injuries from the Afghan shooter per President Trump.There is evil among us; stop dehumanizing people. pic.twitter.com/jCaAQuYVcC— ZitoSalena (@ZitoSalena) November 27, 2025U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro shared a little bit of background on Beckstrom on X:Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom...

President Trump Takes Questions From Reporters About Deadly D.C. Shooting Of National Guardsmen November 27, 2025

West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of West Virginia, has died after being shot Wednesday in a Washington, D.C. ambush just blocks from the White House. President Donald Trump confirmed the news Thursday night, noting he was told just seconds before speaking to members of the military at Mar-a-Lago. "I heard that Sarah Beckstrom, of West Virginia, ... highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023, outstanding in every way, she's just passed away," Trump said. "She's no longer with us. She's looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. It's just...

A post from Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia, identified one of the National Guard troops critically injured in an ambush attack on Wednesday as Andrew Wolfe. Two Guardsmen were attacked by a gunman while on patrol near the White House. Both of them were shot in the head in a targeted attack. "Our Applemen community is deeply saddened to learn that Musselman High School alumnus, Andrew Wolfe, was one of the National Guardsmen injured in the shooting in Washington, D.C. today," read a post on the Musselman High School Facebook page. "Andrew is currently in critical condition and...

Late on Wednesday night, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News Lakanwal had direct links to the CIA from his work alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan. 'The Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the U.S. government, including CIA,' Ratcliffe admitted. A close relative of Lakanwal was blindsided by Wednesday's allegations, telling NBC the Afghan national worked alongside US Special Forces while serving in the Afghan Army for 10 years.

We're learning more about the suspect in the terrorist attack that took place earlier in Washington, D.C., that sent two members of the West Virginia National Guard to the hospital, where they are listed as being in critical condition.The attack, which investigators are describing as a targeted ambush, reportedly took place just blocks from the White House, around 2:15 pm Eastern time.As we previously reported, D.C. Metro Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll told reporters during a D.C. presser that "At approximately 2:15 this afternoon, members of the National Guard were on high visibility patrols in the area of...

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly entered the US in 2021 under then-President Joe Biden's 'Operation Allies Welcome' and later overstayed his visa, has become the focus of a possible act of international terrorism. A viral photo shows him almost naked as first responders load him into an ambulance after the attack. Investigators say he allegedly ambushed two National Guard members near the White House. The shooting left both guards critically injured, and with the motive still unknown, Lakanwal’s background and actions have drawn intense public and political scrutiny.

President Donald Trump says the alleged shooter of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., entered the United States from Afghanistan in 2021 and asks for Americans to pray for the victims.

In the aftermath of Wednesday’s shooting of two National Guard troops near the White House, War Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump has requested the deployment of another 500 Guard members to the nation’s capital. "President Trump has asked me ... to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen, to Washington, D.C. This will only stiffen our resolve to make Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful,” Hegseth told reporters. “President Trump will never back down.” Two members of West Virginia's National Guard were shot in downtown Washington, just blocks from the White House. A suspect shot in the incident is in...

WASHINGTON (WOWK) – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey says two National Guard Members shot in an attack in Washington, DC on Wednesday were members of the West Virginia National Guard. During a press conference in Washington, D.C., just before 5 p.m., officials confirmed that the soldiers remain in critical condition. They say the suspect is also in the hospital at this time. Shortly before 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, DC Metro police confirmed they were on the scene of a shooting near 17th and I Streets NW, a few blocks from the White House. Initially, Morrisey said the guard members...

Two National Guard soldiers have been shot in an ambush-style attack just 800 yards from the White House, sparking a lockdown at the president's residence. The suspected gunman is in custody and two soldiers are in critical condition after a shoot-out at Farragut West metro station in the center of Washington, DC. The suspect was also wounded. Donald Trump vowed that 'the animal' who shot the troops 'will pay a very steep price.' FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that two soldiers are being treated at a local hospital after West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey earlier sparked confusion by announcing the...

US Treasury and WH on lockdown. Mass shooting, three national guardsmen killed, two shooters. Videos from scene. Just happened an hour before publication of video on You Tube.

It is with great sorrow that we can confirm both members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot earlier today in Washington, DC have passed away from their injuries. These brave West Virginians lost their lives in the service of their country. We are in ongoing contact with federal officials as the investigation continues. Our entire state grieves with their families, their loved ones, and the Guard community. West Virginia will never forget their service or their sacrifice, and we will demand full accountability for this horrific act.— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) November 26, 2025

The National Pulse has confirmed through White House sources that two National Guard members have been shot outside the White House. Kellie Meyer of NewsNation reported significant police and Secret Service activity in the vicinity, noting that sidewalks were entirely blocked off to both foot traffic and vehicles. The press has been relocated to the briefing room inside the White House as authorities continue to gather more information on the situation. The incident has led to heightened security measures around the area, with restricted access implemented as a precautionary measure. This is a developing story, and further updates are anticipated...

Multiple National Guard soldiers have reportedly been shot near the White House, sparking a security lockdown at the president's residence. Early reports suggest the shooter may still be on the loose after three people were shot down the street from the White House in the center of DC. An image has emerged online showing a national guard troop laying injured on the pavement as blood pours from his head while Secret Service agents give him medical attention. Armed National Guard troops have been deployed to the nation's capital since early August as part of Donald Trump's crime crackdown. Secret Service...