Sarah Beckstrom, one of the National Guard member dies after DC shooting, prosecutors may seek death penalty for suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal

One of the two National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom, shot near the White House has died, President Donald Trump confirmed, marking a tragic escalation in what authorities described as a “targeted” attack in the nation’s capital. She was shot in head and chest.

“She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now,” Trump said.

Her father was certain Beckstrom would not survive her injuries.





“I’m holding her hand right now,” Gary Beckstrom said. “She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery,” he added.

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, was critically wounded on Wednesday while patrolling near a Metro station with fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both were part of a high-visibility patrol roughly two blocks from the White House when a lone gunman opened fire. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe remains hospitalised in critical condition.

According to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the two had been sworn in for their duties only 24 hours before the attack. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Beckstrom volunteered for holiday shifts so others could be home for Thanksgiving.

“She volunteered to be there on Thanksgiving, working today, she volunteered, as did many of those guardsmen and women, so other people could be home with their families,” Bondi said.

The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was shot by another National Guard member at the scene and is currently in custody. Law enforcement officials said the motive for the attack is still under investigation.

Authorities are expected to charge Rahmanullah Lakanwal with first-degree murder and multiple other counts for ambushing Beckstrom and a fellow soldier. Prosecutors have also said they will seek the death penalty.

President Trump has ordered 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, and investigations continue into the suspect’s motives.