A West Virginia National Guard soldier has died after she and another Guardsman were shot Wednesday afternoon while serving on a mission in Washington, D.C.
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of Summersville, West Virginia, was pronounced dead after the attack, officials confirmed Thursday. Beckstrom was serving with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, and had been on duty in the district since August.
Her fellow service member, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition and is fighting for his life. Wolfe, an Air Force Guardsman assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing’s Force Support Squadron, has served since 2019.
The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. on November 26 near the Farragut Square Metro Station, where both Guardsmen were assigned as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the attack and is also hospitalized.
West Virginia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward released the Guardsmen’s names late Thursday, calling the situation “a devastating loss for the West Virginia National Guard family.”
Beckstrom entered service in June 2023 and, according to state leaders, had already built a reputation for professionalism and dependability. She deployed to D.C. in August and had been serving in a support and security role when she was shot.
Her death drew an outpouring of condolences from military leaders and elected officials across the country. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Beckstrom served “with courage, extraordinary resolve, and an unwavering sense of duty,” adding that the state would honor her service and sacrifice.
Staff Sgt. Wolfe, of Martinsburg, has been on orders in Washington since the start of the mission in August. Officials say he remains in “very serious condition,” and the Guard continues to provide updates to his family.
Authorities identified the shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. Federal officials said he is in custody and receiving medical treatment. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the most serious charges available once he is medically stable.
Federal and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the attack. Additional details are expected to be released as the case progresses.
The West Virginia National Guard remains on duty in the nation’s capital as officials monitor Wolfe’s condition and prepare arrangements for Beckstrom. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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