National Guard member shot near White House dies
One of the National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday died from her injuries, President Donald Trump said.
U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old from West Virginia, died from her injuries. Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, also of West Virginia, remains in critical condition.
Beckstrom started serving in the National Guard in June 2023 and was “outstanding in every single way, in every department,” Trump said.
The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021 under former President Joe Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome, according to the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Lakanwal had a “relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces.” Patel said in a Thanksgiving Day news conference that the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Lakanwal was shot during the incident and is at an area hospital, officials said. The charges against him are expected to be upgraded now that one of the guard members has died.
Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: University of Chicago to offer free tuition
Human capabilities focused in student, teacher artificial intelligence guide
U.S. House to vote on bills targeting fraudulent, foreign election donations
Responses due in Virginia redistricting appeal
Illinois Republicans blame taxes, lawsuits after Morton Salt exits Chicago
Data center regulations weighed; some worry over jobs, energy, taxes
Solutions differ for Chicago Public Schools’ potential $1B deficit
Illinois ranks 46th out of 50 states for financial transparency
U.S. Supreme Court rules against trucking industry
Illinois Quick Hits: Dems look at Chicago for national conventions
Zinc Leaching and Flooding Concerns Dominate Testimony at Will County Solar Hearing
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Special Planning and Zoning Commission for May 12, 2026
Access Will County Dial-A-Ride Reports Massive Growth After Consolidating Paratransit Services