The families of two young National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C., have had their “lives changed forever,” officials said, as Americans celebrating Thanksgiving were urged to keep the soldiers in their thoughts and prayers. The tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over the holiday, highlighting both the dangers faced by service members and the challenges of national security in the nation’s capital.
Brigadier General Leland Blanchard of the National Guard became visibly emotional during a Thursday press conference as he paid tribute to Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, the two soldiers critically injured in Wednesday’s attack. “All across America this morning, families are waking up,” Blanchard began, his voice heavy with emotion. “They will spend the day with their children, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, friends from across the community. There will be the smell of turkey, all the fixings. They will watch parades and football games. They will pray together. They will talk about what they are grateful for. This morning, there are two families that will not have that opportunity.”
The attack unfolded on Wednesday afternoon near the White House, just yards from one of the highest-security areas in the United States. Both soldiers were part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing deployment of the National Guard to combat violent crime in the city, a measure designed to bolster security and support local law enforcement.
West Virginia Congressman Riley Moore confirmed that both Wolfe and Beckstrom had “successfully made it through surgery but are still in critical condition,” posting on X that their families were by their side in the hospital. The ambush has left loved ones grappling with shock, fear, and uncertainty during what is traditionally a time for gratitude and family gatherings.
The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national, was taken into custody following the attack. According to officials, Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to D.C., before opening fire with a .357 revolver. He was shot during the chaotic aftermath and is currently hospitalized. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro confirmed that he faces three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro cautioned that charges could be upgraded depending on the condition of the soldiers. “We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree,” she said.
Blanchard paused during his tribute to address the alleged shooter directly, stating that because Lakanwal had “decided to do this horrific and evil thing,” the lives of the victims and their families “are all changed forever.” Blanchard also paid tribute to the countless law enforcement officers and National Guard members who continue to serve across the country. “They will mark their Thanksgivings by coming home, eating cold turkey, opening up Tupperware, eating what is left over because they spent the day defending the American ideals,” he said. He added that the Guard remains committed to President Trump’s directive to “make D.C. safe and beautiful,” praising soldiers and airmen for their dedication and professionalism.
The incident has sparked nationwide attention, both for the bravery of the soldiers and the background of the suspect. Lakanwal was reportedly brought to the United States in 2021 as part of the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, which facilitated temporary visas for Afghans who assisted U.S. Special Forces during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. CIA Director John Ratcliffe noted that Lakanwal had direct links to the agency due to his work alongside U.S. forces, describing him as a member of a partner force in Kandahar. “The individual—and so many others—should have never been allowed to come here,” Ratcliffe said.
Footage and images from the scene on Wednesday showed first responders performing CPR on a soldier who had been shot in the head, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation. Other photos captured law enforcement officers stationed near the White House with rifles, emphasizing the immediate risk faced by service members and civilians alike.
In the days following the attack, Pirro and President Trump sharply criticized the previous administration for its role in allowing Lakanwal and other Afghan nationals into the country. Pirro’s notes during the press conference contained underlined references to “Operation Allies Welcome” and “Biden Legislation,” reflecting her focus on the policy decisions that facilitated Lakanwal’s entry into the United States. Trump called for a nationwide review of every individual brought into the country under Biden’s Afghan resettlement program. “No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival,” he said. “This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity.”
The shooting has also drawn attention to the ongoing National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. As part of a months-long effort to combat rising violent crime in the capital, more than 2,300 Guard members from eight states and the district were already patrolling the city. Following the shooting, Trump requested an additional 500 troops to bolster the security presence. These deployments have been expanded to other major cities, including Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as the administration emphasizes proactive measures to safeguard public spaces and citizens.
While the focus has been on the response and security measures, officials have also highlighted the human impact of the tragedy. Blanchard’s remarks emphasized the importance of community and national solidarity, urging Americans to keep the families in their thoughts and prayers during the Thanksgiving holiday. “Their lives have been changed forever,” Blanchard reiterated. “Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
The National Guard members involved were among the newest recruits, with Beckstrom and Wolfe having been sworn in less than 24 hours prior to the attack. Their quick induction into service underscores the unpredictability of security threats in high-profile urban areas. Authorities have been conducting a detailed investigation, including a coast-to-coast review led by the FBI under Director Kash Patel, which has included raids on two properties in Washington associated with the suspect.
Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that the White House could pursue terrorism charges and potentially the death penalty, given the severity of the attack. The FBI continues to examine the incident in full, assessing both the immediate threat and the broader national security implications.
As details continue to emerge, the public has been reminded of the fragility of safety and the sacrifices made by those tasked with protecting it. President Trump and his administration have consistently highlighted the role of the National Guard as an essential element in deterring violent crime and maintaining order in cities facing elevated security risks. In the aftermath of the attack, the president reiterated his commitment to strengthening these deployments, emphasizing the need for vigilance and swift action.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was identified as one of the victims in the attack. She, alongside Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Medical teams continue to provide round-the-clock care, with family and friends closely monitoring their progress. Tributes from colleagues, community members, and government officials have flooded social media, praising the courage of both soldiers and the emergency responders who attended to them at the scene.
Images from the Thursday press conference highlighted the tension and gravity of the situation. Pirro held notes referencing Biden administration policies, while Blanchard spoke passionately about the impact of the attack on the soldiers’ families. The incident has drawn nationwide attention not only for its immediate horror but also for its implications regarding national security policies and the ongoing challenges of protecting civilians in major urban centers.
The shooting, which has been widely described as a “terror attack,” has underscored the ongoing risks faced by National Guard members deployed domestically. Their presence in Washington, D.C., was intended to provide additional safety for citizens and support local law enforcement. In light of the attack, questions about deployment, training, and operational readiness have been raised, prompting further review by military and government officials.
While the focus remains on the victims’ recovery and the investigation into the attack, the broader conversation about security, immigration policy, and military deployment continues. Trump, Pirro, Ratcliffe, and other officials have all used the incident to highlight the perceived failures of the previous administration and to reinforce the rationale behind ongoing Guard deployments.
As Americans mark the Thanksgiving holiday, the nation has been urged to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve, as well as the profound impact of violent acts on families and communities.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
