National Guard Attacked

DC Shooting Has Serious Consequences for All Involved

Photo from Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

A fatal shooting occurred in Washington DC, the day before this year's Thanksgiving. On Nov. 26, during a visible patrol, shots were fired at two uniformed National Guard officers, killing one and seriously injuring the other. 

Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, was fatally injured after being shot directly in the back of her head. Andrew Wolfe, age 24, has been hospitalized, but is showing signs of recovery.  Both officers had volunteered to work for the Thanksgiving holiday, allowing others to spend time with family. 

Police have identified the shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29 year old member of the CIA. He has five children, all living with him in an apartment in DC. Lakanwal immigrated from Afghanistan in 2021, as part of  the “Operation Allies Welcome,” a program which allowed Afghans who had helped the US in the past to move here which happened during the Biden administration. CIA director John Ratcliff verified that Lakanwal had done work with the US intelligence agency in the past. 

 “World Relief volunteers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone,” said his case worker. 

“[He] spends most of his time for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, not speaking to anyone, not even his wife and older kids.” enclosed another email from Jan. 31 of 2024.

It is important to note that the case worker assigned to Lakanwal was not a professional of mental health, so there are no diagnoses given to him, but he was described as having frequent episodes displaying manic behavior. Police have alluded to the fact that he is mentally unstable.

Police believe that Lakanwal was in one of his ‘episodes’ when the shooting occurred. After firing his weapon, a .357 Smith & Wesson handgun, Lakanwal “was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar," an Arabic phrase meaning "God is great," according to the complaint.”

 “Lakanwal was charged with one count of murder, two counts of assault with the intent to kill, and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.” During the trial which took place from his hospital bed, he pleaded not guilty on all charges. 

Because of the nature of the shooting, the government has put a hold on all asylum seeker decisions. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services  director Joseph Edlow said “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.” 

President Trump agreed, saying he will "permanently pause migration [from all] third world countries.” 

This shooting has had serious consequences, affecting not only the individuals harmed, but also the larger group of people applying for asylum in the States.