The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Thursday, 27, that Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, died from injuries suffered in the shooting attack that occurred in Washington, DC, near the White House.
The attack occurred last Wednesday, 26. Sarah, a 20-year-old specialist, and Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, both from the West Virginia National Guard, were shot and seriously injured. The latest information about Andrew indicated that he remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The West Virginia National Guard sent soldiers to Washington to support an anti-crime operation launched by Trump.
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District of Columbia Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the shooter was 29-year-old Afghan Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He arrived in the US in 2021, following the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s return to power.
Lakanwal arrived in the country through a program known as “Operation Allies Welcome”, developed in 2021, during the Joe Biden administration, to allow Afghans to enter the US with two-year temporary stay concessions, but without any type of permanent immigration status.
The suspect lived in the city of Bellingham, in the state of Washington, with his wife and five children. According to Jeanine, Lakanwal crossed the USA by car to reach the American capital. Security cameras recorded that the man turned the corner of the street where the guards were standing and began shooting.
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At least one National Guard agent retaliated, according to an official whose identity was withheld. Washington Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll, however, said it was unclear whether the officer who shot the suspect was a member of the National Guard or another law enforcement force.
The soldiers then rushed towards Lakanwal and immobilized him. The suspect is in custody. Trump even said he was seriously injured. However, authorities consulted by the Associated Press They stated that he is not at risk of death.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Thursday that the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism. “This is an ongoing terrorism investigation,” Patel said at a news conference. So far, authorities believe Lakanwal acted alone.
Shortly after the attack, Trump stated that “the animal” responsible for the shooting “will pay a very high price”. “God bless our Grand National Guard and all of our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies. These are truly great people,” he said.
The Republican also ordered the sending of an additional 500 National Guard soldiers to Washington, but without making it clear where these troops would come from.
*With information from Associated Press.
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