President Donald Trump delivered a deeply emotional update to service members on Thanksgiving Day after confirming that U.S. Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of West Virginia, had died following a shocking shooting near the White House. Her fellow Guardsman, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, also from West Virginia, remains in critical condition and “fighting for his life,” the president said.
The attack — which unfolded just a day before Thanksgiving, only blocks from the executive mansion — has sent a jolt through Washington, raising painful questions about national security, vetting failures, and the lingering consequences of the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan evacuation overseen by then-President Joe Biden.
A Nation Grieves: “My Baby Girl Has Passed to Glory”
In a heartbreaking message posted to Facebook, Beckstrom’s father, Gary, revealed his daughter had succumbed to her wounds. “My baby girl has passed to glory,” he wrote. “If I don’t talk to you don’t be offend this has been a horrible tragedy.”
The emotional post resonated with millions of Americans who learned of the attack while beginning their holiday gatherings. Both Guardsmen were reportedly on duty in the area when gunfire erupted, catching them completely off guard.
According to three law enforcement officials who spoke with Fox News, the suspected shooter has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national.
Officials say Lakanwal entered the U.S. legally in 2021 under humanitarian parole through Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome — the rushed evacuation effort following the administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. That operation has faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers and military families alike for bringing tens of thousands of individuals into the country with limited vetting.
Now, a tragedy in the heart of Washington has thrust those concerns back into the national spotlight.
Trump Condemns the Attack and Praises the Guard
Reacting quickly to the news, President Trump posted a forceful message on Truth Social, condemning the shooting in sharp terms and promising full accountability under the law.
He wrote that the suspect, who was also injured in the incident, “will pay a very steep price” for the attack on American service members.
“God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement,” Trump added. “These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Later, Trump shared a photo widely recognized from the 2021 Kabul evacuation showing hundreds of Afghan citizens packed into a U.S. Air Force transport plane — highlighting what he termed the “unvetted and unchecked” influx created by Biden’s withdrawal decisions.
“We will fix it,” Trump wrote, “but will never forget what Crooked Joe Biden and his Thugs did to our Country!”
The president’s response reflected a broader sentiment among conservatives who have long argued that hasty refugee processing under Biden elevated national security risks. With one Guardsman dead and another in critical condition, those warnings are being revisited with new urgency.
A Major Immigration Announcement in the Wake of Tragedy
Following Beckstrom’s passing, Trump issued a sweeping declaration outlining significant shifts to U.S. immigration policy.
He announced a permanent pause on migration from what he termed “Third World countries,” arguing that America must stabilize its systems, restore internal security, and correct what he sees as widespread abuse of humanitarian programs.
Trump detailed the administration’s direction, including plans to:
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Halt migration from high-risk nations
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End what he described as “millions” of Biden-era illegal admissions
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Remove noncitizens who are not contributing positively to the nation
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Eliminate federal subsidies and benefits for noncitizens
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Denaturalize individuals undermining public safety or domestic tranquility
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Deport foreign nationals who present security risks or fail to assimilate
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Reverse the effects of unauthorized parole programs initiated in prior years
The proposals reflect the administration’s broader “American Restoration” agenda — focused on national cohesion, cultural stability, and the aggressive enforcement of immigration law.
As Trump put it, the goal is a “major reduction in illegal and disruptive populations,” paired with what he called “reverse migration” to undo years of mismanagement.
Federal Officials React: “Her Sacrifice Will Never Be Forgotten”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also addressed the attack, offering prayers and promising justice.
“Lord, grant Sarah’s family strength, healing and comfort,” he wrote on X. Bongino praised Beckstrom’s life of patriotism and vowed that authorities “will not rest until we bring the hand of justice to her attacker.”
He added: “God bless America, and all of those patriots and heroes who defend Her.”
Bongino’s message underscored a wave of support from military families, veterans, and law enforcement communities across the country. The death of a young National Guard soldier — especially one serving near the White House — strikes deeply at the nation’s sense of security and reverence for those in uniform.
CIA Connection Draws New Questions
The shooting has taken an unexpected turn after Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., revealed that he is seeking additional information from the CIA. According to Fox News Digital, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the suspect had previously worked with U.S. government agencies, including the CIA, during operations in Afghanistan.
Himes issued a statement saying he was “horrified” by the shooting and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. He also emphasized that “there is still much to be learned” about the suspect and his motives.
The congressman has formally requested more information from the CIA and expects to be briefed when lawmakers return to Washington next week.
The claim that the suspect had contact with U.S. government agencies — if confirmed — will likely add fuel to the political firestorm surrounding Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome, which critics argue admitted individuals without sufficient background screening.
A Test for the Biden-Era Refugee Framework
The vast majority of Democrats backed Biden’s expansive admission of refugees and parolees during his term, even as security officials and border states warned of systemic strain. Now, with a deadly attack involving a migrant admitted under that very program, many conservatives argue that the dangers they predicted have finally manifested in the most tragic way.
The political implications are significant.
Trump’s new policy directives represent a fundamental restructuring of immigration priorities, leaning heavily on national security, assimilation, and public order. The tragedy in Washington is already shaping the national conversation — not only about border enforcement, but about the responsibility of a government to protect its own service members on American soil.
For millions of Americans, especially veterans and military families, the shooting has brought the debate into painful clarity.
As the investigation continues and Staff Sgt. Wolfe fights for his life, the nation remains on edge — mourning a young soldier, confronting new questions about vetting failures, and watching closely as the administration rolls out the most sweeping immigration changes in a generation.
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.
