Charges Upgraded to First-Degree Murder After Death of National Guard Soldier Near White House

By Amanuel Janberu
Published on 11/29/25

The individual accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House now faces a first-degree murder charge following the death of one of the soldiers, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia announced on Friday, as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were hospitalized in critical condition after the Wednesday afternoon shooting. President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death on Thursday evening.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office said Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, is now charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

In response to the attack, the Trump administration announced a suspension of all asylum determinations and a temporary hold on visas for Afghan passport holders.

Investigators have not yet identified a motive, and federal authorities continue to examine Lakanwal’s background and potential connections to the incident.