URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, just 20 years old, was fatally shot in an ambush-style attack on November 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C.. Beckstrom, who had been sworn in less than 24 hours prior to the tragic incident, succumbed to her injuries the following day, leaving a nation in mourning.
Prior to her death, Beckstrom had expressed deep frustrations about her deployment in D.C. to her boyfriend, Adam Carr. In a heartfelt interview with CNN, Carr revealed that Beckstrom felt her role was “pointless.” He stated, “She got deputized there, but they gave them no rights to do anything.” Beckstrom described being disrespected by the public. “People spit at us, cuss at us, and we can’t do nothing,” Carr recounted.
Carr’s emotional insight reveals the struggles faced by those in the National Guard, as Beckstrom wanted to make a difference but felt restricted. “She wanted to make a difference… but she was like, ‘Why am I here if I can’t do nothing?’” he shared. The sense of helplessness was overwhelming, with Carr adding, “They limited them so much that she was like, ‘It’s pointless.’”
Beckstrom’s death comes as details about the assailant emerge. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. The shooting occurred around 2:30 p.m. near the Farragut West Metro Station, just a mile from the White House. During a call with soldiers, President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s passing, describing her as a “highly respected, young, magnificent person.”
Trump stated, “It’s just happened. She was savagely attacked. She’s dead, not with us.” He expressed his condolences, acknowledging that Beckstrom was with her parents at the time of her death.
In a poignant note, Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted Beckstrom’s dedication, revealing that she had volunteered to work during the Thanksgiving holiday to allow others to be with their families. “She volunteered to be there on Thanksgiving,” Bondi stated, underscoring the selflessness of National Guard members.
As the nation processes this tragedy, Andrew Wolfe, the other victim in the shooting, continues to fight for his life. The urgency surrounding this incident is palpable, especially as law enforcement sources report Lakanwal’s identification and ongoing investigations into the shooting.
In the aftermath, the Trump administration has ramped up security measures, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announcing an additional 500 troops deployed to the capital following the attack. This incident adds to concerns over crime in the nation’s capital, where Trump had previously stated that there hadn’t been a murder in six months—an assertion contradicted by reports of 62 homicides since May alone.
As details continue to develop, the nation watches closely, grappling with the tragic loss of a soldier who wanted to serve and protect her community. The impact of this event resonates deeply, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those in uniform.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
