UPDATE: President Donald Trump confirmed just moments ago that one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot by an Afghan national near the White House has died. During a Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops, Trump revealed that Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, succumbed to her injuries, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is currently “fighting for his life.”
The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who worked with the CIA, is in custody after also suffering non-life-threatening wounds. Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to assist Afghan refugees following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In a strong condemnation, Trump labeled the shooter a “savage monster.” The incident raises critical questions about the vetting process for Afghan refugees, with the president criticizing the very program that brought Lakanwal to the U.S. Critics have voiced concerns about the resettlement process, citing potential risks posed by individuals who may have violent pasts.
Authorities report that Lakanwal is among approximately 76,000 Afghans resettled in the U.S. under this initiative, designed to protect those who opposed the Taliban regime. The shocking nature of this incident has ignited a national conversation regarding the safety of U.S. citizens and the effectiveness of current immigration policies.
As developments unfold, the nation holds its breath for further updates on Staff Sgt. Wolfe’s condition and the ongoing investigation into the shooting. The urgency of this matter highlights the risks faced by service members and the intricate connections between international policy and domestic safety.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
