Summary
President Donald Trump announced that a West Virginia National Guard member died after being shot near the White House by an Afghan national. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had previously worked with a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit and is currently in custody facing charges. The shooting has raised questions about the U.S. policy of resettling Afghans who worked with American forces.
Key Facts
- President Trump confirmed the death of National Guard member Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20.
- Another guard member, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, is seriously injured and fighting for his life.
- The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was formerly part of a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit.
- The shooting is described as an "ambush-style" attack with a handgun, occurring near the White House.
- Charges against Lakanwal include assault with intent to kill, with potential upgrades depending on the victims' outcomes.
- The situation ties into broader debates on security and the resettlement of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces.
- The National Guard presence in Washington, D.C., continues to be a topic of political discussion.
- The suspect and situation emphasize the complex legacy of the Afghanistan War.
