National Guard Soldier Dies After White House Shooting: Trump Confirms
November 28, 2025 | News Desk – www.koydenhaber.com
⏱️ Reading Time: 3 Minutes
What happened near the White House? Who was the soldier who died? What did President Trump say? Who is the suspect? Is the attack considered terrorism?
President Donald Trump has confirmed that one of the two National Guard soldiers injured in a close-range shooting just blocks from the White House has died. The incident, which occurred a day before Thanksgiving, has shaken Washington and sparked renewed debate over security and immigration.
Summary (Quick Takeaway)
Fallen soldier: U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia
Trump: “A magnificent young person… She’s looking down on us now.”
Second soldier, Andrew Wolfe (24), remains in critical condition
Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in 2021
Trump calls the attack “an act of evil, hatred and terror”
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom: The Soldier Who Lost Her Life
During a Thanksgiving call with service members, President Trump delivered the heartbreaking news:
“Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia… highly respected, young, magnificent. She started service in June 2023… She has just passed away. She’s no longer with us.”
Beckstrom was described by senior officers as a dedicated and outstanding service member.
Second Soldier Fighting for His Life
The second victim, 24-year-old National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized in very critical condition.
Trump added:
“He’s in very bad shape. He’s fighting for his life. We’re praying for better news.”
What Happened Near the White House?
The attack took place on Wednesday, just a few blocks from the White House, in what officials described as a deliberate close-range ambush targeting National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C.
Trump condemned the attack:
“This was a monstrous, ambush-style attack… a crime against our nation and a crime against humanity.”
Suspect Identified: 29-Year-Old Afghan National
Federal authorities identified the suspect as:
Name: Rahmanullah Lakanwal
Age: 29
Origin: Afghanistan
Entry to U.S.: 2021
Acted alone: believed so by investigators
Trump criticized former immigration policies, claiming the suspect entered the country under prior border procedures.
“A Nation Filled With Grief — and Resolve”
In his remarks, Trump said the nation was experiencing both heartbreak and determination:
“We’re filled with righteous anger and ferocious resolve. We will not tolerate acts of terror on our soil.”
Federal investigations remain ongoing as officials examine motives and security gaps.
FAQ – Your Questions Answered
Where did the shooting happen?
Just blocks from the White House, in central Washington, D.C.
Who died?
U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard.
Who is still hospitalized?
Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
Who is the suspect?
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in 2021.
Is it a terror attack?
Trump labeled it “an act of terror”; the FBI continues its investigation.